No Group Photo: Rubio Calls Off Family Photo at G20 FMs Meeting Over Russia Row

Synopsis

The G20 foreign ministers’ meeting opened without its customary group photograph as representatives were expected to walk out rather than be pictured alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The Dispute

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio pulled the plug after several European officials, the UK and Australia, made clear they would boycott or leave the photo. According to sources, Washington had explored taking two photos, one with Lavrov and one without, before Rubio decided to scrap the tradition altogether.

US officials said Rubio concluded the controversy would become a distraction. In a statement, the US said it chose to forgo the photo so the focus would stay on the substantive discussions and shared priorities of the meeting.

The Boycott

German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, said there would be no joint photo with European partners and Lavrov, because “there is no normality with Russia.” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during the opening session, citing its effect on global markets and food security.

Her spokesperson said Australia backed the cancellation and would not normalise the invasion. Lavrov brushed off the row. At a press conference in Atlanta on Friday, he dismissed the “family photo diplomacy” controversy, saying that if how they look in the picture matters most to them, “that says it all.”

Why the Sudden Dispute?

The dispute exposed fractures that run deep and wide, as divisions between the Trump administration and Europe over how to approach Russia have now persisted for quite some time.

Some members have objected to Russia being invited while it intensifies attacks on Ukraine. China sent a deputy foreign minister rather than its top diplomat. The meeting was also marked by disagreement over Washington’s decision to exclude South Africa, a founding G20 member, while inviting Poland as a guest.

Rubio, who chairs the two-day gathering, urged members to work together despite the friction, warning of a series of interconnected economic and geopolitical crises.

The talks run Friday and Saturday and set the stage for a G20 leaders’ summit that President Donald Trump will host at his Miami golf club in December. There is scepticism that members can overcome their substantial differences.