US Scraps G20 Photo With Lavrov as Europe Pushes Ukraine Support After 14 Killed
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Oct 30
US Scraps G20 Photo With Lavrov as Europe Pushes Ukraine Support After 14 Killed
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Oct 30
Summary
Atlanta’s G20 foreign ministers meeting dropped its traditional group photo after European officials refused to appear with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, underscoring the forum’s split over Moscow.
Lavrov arrived saying he would argue against sanctions, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pressed partners to boost support for Ukraine and pursue accountability after a Russian strike killed at least 14 at a railway station.
No joint statement is expected; Washington plans to issue a chair’s summary instead, with one diplomatic source saying the G20 is no longer a place where foreign ministers can agree common language.
The talks are also shadowed by the Iran war and energy disruption after the Strait of Hormuz closure, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged cooperation on trade, food, energy and maritime security before the Dec. 14-15 Miami summit.