G20 photo scrapped amid tensions over Russian foreign minister’s presence

The traditional G20 'family photo' was cancelled at the foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta, which began on Friday. The United States, hosting the event, decided to scrap the ceremonial photograph after numerous European and other diplomats indicated they would refuse to be pictured alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The cancellation aimed to prevent the photo opportunity from becoming a diplomatic distraction and overshadowing the meeting's substantive agenda.

Tensions over Russia's presence at the gathering were significantly heightened by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader disagreements between the United States and its allies regarding their approach to Moscow. More than a third of the attending officials reportedly threatened to walk out if the photo proceeded with Lavrov included. This collective refusal, notably from countries like Germany, served as a potent symbol of the deep divisions among global leaders, particularly in light of perceived efforts by the U.S. to foster closer ties with Russia.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, chairing the foreign ministers' meeting, made the decision to cancel the photo on Thursday. This meeting acts as a preparatory event for the upcoming G20 leaders' summit, scheduled for December in Miami, which President Donald Trump will host.