G20 photo scrapped over Lavrov

European ministers abandoned plans for a traditional group photograph at the G20 summit in Atlanta after objecting to standing alongside Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.

The conflict between the bloc and Moscow escalated during the first day of the conference. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Lavrov of spreading lies regarding the war in Ukraine. She told Agence France-Presse that Russian officials presented false narratives that European counterparts could directly rebuke. Kallas argued that Moscow’s actions, rather than its words, showed a lack of readiness for peace talks. She noted that July through September were the deadliest months for Ukrainian civilians.

Lavrov pushed back during a press conference, criticizing European nations for an arrogant boycott. He praised the willingness of the United States to engage with Moscow. European officials used the meeting to pressure Russia to secure a ceasefire in the Black Sea, a key route for agricultural exports. Lavrov conceded no ground on the status of the conflict.

UK foreign secretary Ed Miliband stated that his country has not engaged with Russia in this manner for years. German foreign minister Johann Wadephul said there would be no photo because there is no normality with Russia. US secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke briefly with Lavrov on the sidelines. The Russian minister described the conversation as decent.

The summit takes place ahead of new negotiations expected in November between Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington. President Donald Trump has invited Russian leader Vladimir Putin to Florida in December. The US administration has also eased some sanctions and promoted a deal for Russia to sell diesel amid soaring prices.

The US state department approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine for an estimated $2.1 billion. The measure now goes to Congress for review. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that deliveries could take years because the missiles are yet to be manufactured. Two people briefed on the decision said the weapons are not expected to arrive until the early 2030s. Zelenskyy asked American partners to provide stockpiled interceptors in the interim.

In southern Ukraine, a humanitarian convoy arrived in the Russian-held city of Oleshky on Friday. The operation marked the first joint relief effort in four years and eight months of war. The city has suffered food and medical shortages. US first lady Melania Trump said the convoy could evacuate more than 750 people.