G20 Meeting in Atlanta

Lavrov reportedly set to feature only in a "family photo"

The presence of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at today’s G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta is expected to be a major flashpoint. The war in Ukraine is on the agenda, and according to Politico, several European diplomats are concerned about Russia’s participation in discussions on the matter.

A source indicates that the traditional "family photo"—a group portrait of all participants—will be handled differently this time. Two separate photos are expected to be taken: one that includes Lavrov, and another from which he is excluded.

"It won’t be a happy family," the source says.

The EU, the UK, France, and Germany all have representatives in Atlanta. Each has voiced sharp criticism of Russia’s conduct of the war in Ukraine. 

Divided G20 to seek consensus on Ukraine and Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio faces a significant challenge as he welcomes G20 foreign ministers to Atlanta for talks covering issues ranging from Ukraine to the energy crisis.

"It will be very difficult to find consensus on any of the major issues that are typically on the agenda," expert Heidi Crebo-Rediker, who served at the US State Department during the Obama administration, told Reuters.

The G20 comprises the world’s 20 largest economies. Given that the meeting is expected to cover topics including Ukraine, the rivalry between the U.S. and China, and concerns regarding new attacks on Iran, the presence of Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia could lead to conflict.

According to information from the AP, U.S. officials have reportedly advised several Middle Eastern nations to prepare for the possibility that new military operations could take place in the near future.