Political tensions dominated the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov engaged with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of potential trilateral talks between Russia, the United States, and China.
Lavrov condemned President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s decisions as actively hindering peace negotiations, stating they do not contribute to settlement progress. He also noted that Ukraine-related discussions could resume in Abu Dhabi for the first time since February but expressed concerns about Ukraine’s role in the process.
European delegations made several moves during the meeting, including blocking a group photograph due to objections from German Foreign Minister Johann Vadefuhl. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who attended in place of South Africa, labeled Russia’s participation an “awkward moment.” Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi secured a private meeting with Lavrov, while the United States emphasized depoliticizing G20 discussions to address global challenges.
