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Why European ministers refused to pose with Russia's Lavrov

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October 31, 2026

The G20 gathering in Atlanta began without the customary "family photo" after reported threats to boycott an picture with Russia's Sergey Lavrov. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled the event.

European ministers were willing to sit at the same G20 table as Sergey Lavrov, but not to pose for a photo with him.

In response, the US eventually scrapped the traditional family picture in Atlanta.

DW asked Russian foreign policy expert Mark Katz whether this was meaningful pressure on Moscow, or a sign that Russia's international isolation has reached its limits.

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