Russia uncompromising as Rubio hosts G20 talks in shadow of conflicts
ATLANTA: Russia showed no sign on Friday of softening its stance on Kyiv as G20 foreign ministers opened talks in the United States, with the wars in Ukraine and Iran deepening rifts between members of the sprawling forum.
Russia displayed an unwavering stance on Friday as G20 foreign ministers convened in Atlanta, with the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran exacerbating divisions among forum members. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for presenting "lies" regarding issues like the conflict in Ukraine, while Lavrov criticized Europeans for their "arrogant boycott."
The planned family photo of G20 ministers was canceled due to objections from European officials. European leaders have refrained from appearing with Russian delegations at other G20 meetings this year. The Atlanta gathering precedes a G20 leaders' summit in Miami in December and occurs as global energy prices surge following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February.
While few breakthroughs are expected, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for the G20 to collaborate against threats such as energy and food supply chain strains. Lavrov's appearance at the G20 is not surprising, as Washington has welcomed Russian officials to recent events while excluding South Africa. The talks also underscore the need to maintain freedom of navigation, as Iran threatens to choke off the Strait of Hormuz.
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