Anand says she called out Russian counterpart invited by U.S. to G20 ministerial

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand called out Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during a G20 ministerial meeting in Atlanta on Friday. Anand, who was seated directly across from Lavrov, directly stated Russia's involvement in "horrific crimes" in its war against Ukraine, including disrupting global energy and food supply chains.

Following the meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov responded with Kremlin talking points, accusing the EU of piracy for seizing Russian vessels and denying Russia's use of energy to settle political scores. This was a significant moment, as the U.S. had invited Russia to the G20 meeting, despite President Trump pulling support for Ukraine's defense.

Anand had previously met with EU officials in Montreal before arriving in Atlanta, where she emphasized her opposition to being photographed with Lavrov, and brought up Russia's kidnapping of Ukrainian children and attacks on vessels in the Black Sea. The meeting highlighted concerns over maritime security, with Russian strikes on Ukrainian grain vessels in the Black Sea disrupting food shipments to developing countries.

Iran's reduction of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz was also cited as a major issue. Anand urged G20 nations to look to Canada for their energy needs, and criticized the U.S. for excluding South Africa from the G20 meetings it is hosting, stating that South Africa should be present. Canada and the European Union recently wrapped up a major summit in Montreal, ahead of next week's Commonwealth summit. Anand emphasized Canada's support for a strong and credible Commonwealth mandate on democracy.