G20 Photo Session Scrapped Amid Lavrov Controversy

The United States halted the traditional opening-day photo of G20 leaders after several European delegations threatened to walk out rather than be pictured with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to cancel the photo, saying the dispute would distract from the meeting’s agenda. The move highlighted deep divisions within the G20 over the Russia-Ukraine war, the U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran, and broader trade and security challenges.

Associated Press

European officials had already voiced unease about Russia’s presence, with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski calling the cancellation “the right decision.” South Africa’s foreign ministry, represented by Phindile Kunene, protested the country’s exclusion from the meeting, asserting that its non-participation “is not voluntary.”

Associated Press

Rubio framed the gathering as a “critical moment” for the United States and the world, emphasizing the need to address “interconnected economic and geopolitical crises.” He expressed hope for a “productive meeting” despite the photo dispute. The U.S. also signaled that resolving freedom-of-navigation disputes in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Black Sea and the South China Sea would be a top priority.

Associated Press

Critics argued that inviting Lavrov was “politically boneheaded,” a view echoed by former U.S. ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly, now a Northwestern University professor. Kelly warned that Lavrov’s presence would undermine any unified Western message on the Ukraine war.

Associated Press

• “It seems politically boneheaded to invite him,” — Ian Kelly

Associated Press

• “We have consistently maintained that our nonparticipation is not voluntary,” — Phindile Kunene, african foreign minister

Associated Press