Kallas Accuses Lavrov of Spreading Lies at G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas branded Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as spreading falsehoods about the conflict in Ukraine during a G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta, according to AFP and UATV English reports. Kallas informed the news agency that Lavrov made numerous untrue statements and narratives. European officials aimed to intensify pressure on Russia, including a request for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, a vital trade route for agricultural exports.

Observers characterized Lavrov's comments during the gathering as "rather provocative." Lavrov also engaged in a brief discussion with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who organized the event. Following the meeting, Lavrov portrayed it as "respectful," while he criticized European nations for what he deemed their "arrogant isolation," yet commended the Trump administration's readiness to interact with Moscow.

The standard group photograph of G20 foreign ministers was abandoned due to objections from certain European officials who did not wish to be seen alongside Lavrov, as per an AFP diplomatic source. A U.S. official disclosed that the decision was made to avoid the protocol photo session from turning into a diplomatic distraction.

The meeting in Atlanta was intended to lay the groundwork for the G20 leaders' summit, which is set to occur in Miami in December. Rather than a final declaration, the two-day ministerial gatherings are anticipated to conclude with a summary report compiled by the United States.