G20 Meeting Takes Dramatic Turn As Countries Refuse To Pose With Russia, US Abruptly Cancels 'Family Photo'

G20 Meeting In Atlanta: The US on Friday suddenly cancelled the traditional G20 family photo in Atlanta after several countries refused to appear alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The decision came during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and also attended by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. The countries reportedly had differences over Russia's participation in the meeting amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Why Did US Cancel G20 Family Photo

The traditional group photograph, commonly known as family photo, is usually taken at the start of major international meetings. It was called off during G20 FMM after several countries raised objections to standing alongside Lavrov. According to reports, the UK, Australia and several European Union countries refused to take part in a photograph with the Russian minister.

🇷🇺🇺🇸 Russian FM Sergey Lavrov arrives in Atlanta for the G20 It was anything but a warm welcome. No ‘happy family' group photo this time. The European diplomats refused to stand anywhere near him with some threatening to walk out on the spot! Lavrov is the highest profile Russian official to visit the U.S since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Writer: Bri

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 30, 2026

Opposing the idea, Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said, “In no case will there be a family photo with European partners and Mr Lavrov together because...there is no normality with Russia.” UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also made his country's position clear, saying, “We do not engage in that way with the Russians and have not for a number of years.”

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Australia also supported the US decision, with its Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticising Russia's invasion of Ukraine during the meeting. The wider disagreement was linked to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Several countries had earlier objected to Russia being included in the meeting while its military operations continued. Despite the incident, Rubio called for countries to work together on major international challenges in his opening speech.

Jaishankar Attends G20 Meeting In Atlanta

EAM S Jaishankar also participated in the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta. During the first plenary session, he stressed the importance of diplomacy and said military action was not the answer to global challenges. Sharing moments from the G20 FMM, he wrote on X, “Pleased to participate in the 1st Plenary of @g20org Foreign Ministers’ Meeting #Atlanta today. Emphasised that in the face of global challenges, military solutions will not work and diplomacy must be given a chance.” He also met Rubio on the sidelines of the meeting.

Appreciated @SecRubio’s hospitality in Atlanta for the @g20org FMM. Took stock of our bilateral cooperation. 🇮🇳 🇺🇸 https://t.co/8QKwveO6V2

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 31, 2026

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