G20 group photo scrapped after Europe leaders object to posing with Russia's Lavrov

The disagreement erupted on Friday, the opening day of the two-day gathering, when European representatives threatened to walk out rather than be photographed with Lavrov.

In Short

• G20 foreign ministers' group photo cancelled over Lavrov's presence
• European delegations opposed standing with Russian minister
• Focus shifts to upcoming Miami G20 summit and Putin's participation

A traditional diplomatic photo opportunity has turned into an flashpoint at the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta, forcing the United States to abandon plans for a group photograph after several European delegations objected to standing alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The disagreement erupted on Friday, the opening day of the two-day gathering, when European representatives threatened to walk out rather than be photographed with Lavrov. The Russian minister's presence at the meeting had already caused unease among Western allies, given Moscow's ongoing war against Ukraine and its strained relations with European governments.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio eventually decided to cancel the photograph.

While a photograph may seem like a routine part of an international gathering, such moments carry considerable political significance. A group picture featuring senior diplomats from rival countries can signal at least a willingness to engage, even when their governments remain sharply divided.

This time, however, the prospect of being pictured alongside Lavrov proved too contentious for some European participants.

The ministers are expected to discuss some of the world's most pressing geopolitical and economic challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, US tariffs and China's activities in the South China Sea. But the dispute over the photograph has offered an early indication of how difficult it may be for the group to find common ground.

WHY LAVROV'S PRESENCE SPARKED ROW

Russia's participation had become a source of friction even before the disagreement over the photograph.

Several G20 members had questioned Washington's decision to invite Moscow at a time when Russian attacks on Ukraine continue. The invitation has also drawn attention because of Trump's recent efforts to improve relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, including his decision to waive fresh sanctions on Moscow and temporarily restrict logistical and intelligence assistance to Kyiv.

For European governments, appearing alongside Lavrov in an official group photograph could have sent an uncomfortable political message, particularly as they continue to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Lavrov's attendance is also unusual because he has rarely travelled to NATO member countries since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia, meanwhile, had suggested that the difficulties surrounding its delegation's travel arrangements reflected opposition within Washington itself.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said visa complications for the delegation were resolved only at the last minute, creating the impression that "not everyone in Washington is happy" about Lavrov's attendance. She added that the Russian foreign minister intended to use the meeting to advocate for the "swift reform of global economic institutions".

The decision to invite Lavrov could also become a domestic political issue for Trump as the US midterm elections approach. Attention will now turn to the December G20 summit in Miami, where it remains unclear whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will accept Trump's invitation.

If the Russian president does travel to the US, the host could face another politically sensitive question: whether Western leaders would be willing to appear alongside him in an official group photograph.

- Ends