G20 foreign ministers skip photo-op amid objections over Russia
European officials had earlier suggested there might be two separate pictures - one with Lavrov and one without.
The G20 foreign ministers opted not to participate in a customary group photo prior to their assembly in Atlanta on Friday, as European delegates expressed reservations regarding the inclusion of Russia. According to a US official, the State Department removed the family photograph from the official agenda due to Washington's aversion to the photograph becoming a spectacle or distraction.
Approximately one-third of the attendees, encompassing Australia and Canada, unequivocally opposed the notion of being photographed alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, as per a Western diplomat's statement. No group photo involving European partners and Lavrov will take place because there is no normalization with Russia, declared German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to reporters ahead of the inaugural session on Friday.
European officials had previously hinted at the possibility of two distinct pictures - one featuring Lavrov and one without. European G20 members support Ukraine, which has vocally objected to US President Donald Trump's recent policy decisions concerning Russia, including an agreement to purchase diesel fuel and waive certain sanctions.
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