G20 cancels family photo after nations boycott Russian foreign minister
About one-third of G20 nations, including Australia, refused to appear with Russia's Sergei Lavrov.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelled the opening photo at the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta. Australia, the UK, and European nations said they would boycott or walk out.
Such photos have always kicked off these meetings. Australia's foreign affairs minister Penny Wong said Russia's invasion of Ukraine had hurt global markets and food security.
Germany's foreign minister warned there could be no normality with Russia. Rubio opened the talks calling for unity on economic issues and global crises.
But disagreement about Russia made a deal unlikely. Diplomats said the dispute may stop the group from producing a joint statement when talks end Saturday.
- About one-third of G20 countries
- Nations boycotting
- Atlanta
- Meeting location
- Sergei Lavrov
- Russian foreign minister
Why it mattersIt shows Russia growing more isolated around the world. It also shows that major democracies will not act normal about Ukraine.
AustraliaAustralia made a public stand refusing to normalise relations with Russia on the world stage.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
