Diplomacy: U.S. cancels G20 photo after European objection to Lavrov

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled a planned group photograph of G20 foreign ministers on Friday. The decision followed objections from several European diplomats who did not want to stand next to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Some officials threatened to leave the session entirely if the photo proceeded. Two U.S. officials said Rubio viewed the controversy as a distraction. The talks in Atlanta continue as scheduled, serving as a precursor to a leaders' summit President Donald Trump will host in Miami in December.

The cancellation highlights the friction within the group over major global conflicts. The agenda includes the Russia-Ukraine war, the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, and trade disputes involving U.S. tariffs and China in the South China Sea. These issues have driven up global fuel costs and created uncertainty in trade. Rubio described the moment as a choice for the world, noting that interconnected economic and geopolitical crises threaten the foundations of the global economic order.

European leaders offered mixed reactions to the photo dispute. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called the U.S. decision correct, stating he was not the only one who did not want to be pictured with Lavrov. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told the dpa news agency that there is no normality with Russia but that controversies must be exchanged at the table. He warned against sending falsely optimistic signals. Russia’s foreign ministry said it faced last-minute visa issues for its delegation, a complication spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said created an impression that not everyone in Washington was happy about Lavrov’s attendance.

Lavrov’s presence in the United States is rare since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ian Kelly, a former U.S. ambassador to Georgia and current professor at Northwestern University, described the invitation as politically boneheaded. Kelly noted that Republican lawmakers are already critical of Trump’s conciliatory approach to Vladimir Putin. He predicted the attendance would hinder efforts to produce a unified Western message on the Ukraine war.

The composition of the G20 gathering also drew attention. Ukraine, a non-member, was not invited, while South Africa, a founding member, was excluded. Phindile Kunene, spokesperson for South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, said the country’s nonparticipation was not voluntary. Kunene noted that South Africa is ready to join on equal footing when Britain assumes the presidency next year. The U.S. stated it made a conscious choice to include only formal members.

The meeting takes place as the U.S. considers renewed military strikes against Iran. Officials have told regional allies to prepare for potential action after the midterm elections. Elaine Dezenski of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies called the Atlanta meeting a test of whether the U.S. can build cooperation when member consensus appears out of reach.