{
  "id": 17260166,
  "title": "Treffen in Atlanta: Kein „Familienfoto“: G20-Außenminister mit Signal an Moskau",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/treffen-in-atlanta-kein-familienfoto-g20-au-enminister-mit-signal-an",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-30T16:38:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/treffen-in-atlanta-kein-familienfoto-g20-aussenminister-mit-signal-an-moskau/100266251.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "The G20 foreign ministers attending a gathering in Atlanta, Georgia, sent a clear message to Russia with the absence of a typical \"family photo\" featuring their European counterparts alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The omission of the photo came shortly after Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul declared that it would not happen, stating that European partners would not be attending the meeting together with Lavrov. Lavrov was present during the discussions, and the handling of the Russian minister, along with the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, were among the key issues under discussion at the G20 meeting. Russia supports Iran, which is seen as a significant factor in the global economic consequences of the Iran war that the US, together with Israel, initiated in February. Both conflicts have significantly impacted the global economy, with restricted shipping in the Hormuz Strait causing dramatic increases in oil and gas prices, and the war in Ukraine disrupting trade in fertilizers and grain via the Black Sea. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged for closer cooperation at the start of the meeting, emphasizing that the G20 must work together to address these threats to global trade, energy supply, and maritime freedom. Rubio described this as a \"moment of decision,\" stating that it is not just for the United States but for the entire world. The absence of a normal relationship with Russia was emphasized, as Wadephul stated that there must be discussions on the controversies at the G20 table. This is crucial to send the right optical signal. European countries had largely agreed on not participating in a \"family photo,\" with talks reportedly also taking place with Australia. Just before the meeting, Wadephul had made it clear that he would not rule out the possibility of a \"family photo\" with Lavrov if it were to happen. Lavrov was seated between Saudi Arabia and Mexico at the meeting, with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski positioned next to Rubio, the only guest invited to the G20 discussions. Sikorski, known for his sharp criticism of Russia due to its war against Ukraine, fears that Russia may become one of its next targets. The meeting in Atlanta serves as a rehearsal for the G20 summit of heads of state and government scheduled for December 14-15 in Miami. Decisions for the summit will be prepared in Atlanta. The summit will see President Donald Trump alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), French President Emmanuel Macron, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump has also invited Russian President Vladimir Putin, but it remains unclear if he will accept the invitation. Unlike Putin, Lavrov has not been regularly present at G20 meetings. Russia is officially still a member of the group, but Putin last physically attended a G20 summit in 2019. The G20 group includes 19 states, the European Union, and the African Union. Wadephul re-emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to the Iran conflict and an end to the blockade of the Hormuz Strait, stating that a military solution cannot resolve the issue. He warned that a new military attack on Iran, possibly launched following the upcoming US midterm elections, is not the answer. Wadephul believes that the time for negotiations is now, especially after the elections, to avoid further escalation of the situation, which has already caused significant economic consequences for both the Middle East and Europe.",
  "summary": "Die großen Industrie- und Schwellenländer beraten in Atlanta über die Kriege und Krisen im Nahen Osten und der Ukraine. Auch der Umgang mit Russlands Außenminister wird zu einem zentralen Thema.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}