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Sunday, 1st November 2026
US Cancels G20 ‘Family Photo’ After European Diplomats Refuse to Stand Alongside Russia’s Lavrov
31 October 2026 23:10 PM
NEWS DESK
The United States has canceled the planned official “family photo” at the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting after diplomats from several European countries reportedly refused to appear in the same photograph as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in protest against Russia’s role in the war in Ukraine.
The incident took place on Friday during the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. Two officials confirmed the cancellation of the photograph to the BBC.
Traditionally, a group photograph is taken at international summits featuring representatives of all participating countries.
During the meeting, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband directly addressed Lavrov, saying that there was no doubt about which country was the aggressor in the war in Ukraine. He also accused Russia of killing innocent Ukrainian civilians.
Miliband argued that G20 countries should play a more active role in securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. He added that Russia’s war was disrupting global energy supplies and supply chains while worsening food insecurity around the world.
The meeting was hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. A US official said the decision to cancel the photograph was made after it became clear that representatives from several countries were unwilling to participate in a joint picture.
The official said Washington wanted to keep the focus on substantive discussions rather than allow the ceremonial photograph to become a source of diplomatic controversy.
Ukraine is not a member of the G20. Although the country had been invited to similar meetings in recent years, it was not invited to this year's gathering.
A British official said London had maintained a policy of avoiding direct bilateral engagement with Russian ministers since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, relations between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have appeared to warm somewhat in recent months. Ukraine and its European allies have criticized a deal involving Russian diesel imports into the US market, as well as Washington's decision to ease certain sanctions against Russia.
However, earlier this week, the United States approved the sale of Patriot missiles worth more than $2 billion to support Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
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