Lavrov faces sharp criticism as G20 ministers skip group photo in Atlanta

European officials abandoned plans for a traditional group photograph at the Group of 20 summit in Atlanta on Friday after objecting to standing alongside Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. The decision came as the EU accused Moscow of presenting false narratives regarding the war in Ukraine.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, told Agence France-Presse that Lavrov put forward lies during the meetings. She stated that Russia was not ready for peace negotiations, noting that July, August, and September had been the deadliest months for civilians. Kallas argued that Moscow needed to show readiness through deeds rather than words, pointing to continued military actions despite verbal commitments to negotiate.

Lavrov responded at a press conference by criticizing European nations for an arrogant boycott. He praised the administration of US President Donald Trump for its willingness to engage with Moscow. European delegates at the talks, which focused on global economic growth, energy security, and trade, pushed Russia to secure a ceasefire in the Black Sea, a key corridor for agriculture exports.

UK foreign secretary Ed Miliband stated that the UK has not engaged with Russia in that manner for several years. German foreign minister Johann Wadephul explained the absence of the group photo by noting there is no normality with Russia. Lavrov remains under international sanctions, and most Western nations have shunned Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke briefly with Lavrov on the sidelines of the meeting. Lavrov described the conversation as decent. The talks occur ahead of fresh negotiations expected in November among Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington. Trump has also invited Vladimir Putin to Florida in December and has eased some sanctions while promoting a deal for Russia to sell diesel.

The US state department announced Friday that it approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine for an estimated $2.1 billion. The approval is subject to review by Congress. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that deliveries could take years, as the missiles are not yet manufactured. Two people briefed on the decision said the weapons are not expected to arrive until a couple of years into the 2030s.

Zelenskyy asked US partners to provide stockpiled missiles now to address immediate dangers, with the new purchase serving to replenish supplies later. In a separate development, a humanitarian convoy arrived in the Russian-held city of Oleshky in southern Ukraine on Friday. It was the first joint relief operation in four years and eight months. First lady Melania Trump stated that the convoy could safely evacuate more than 750 people from the besieged city.