G20 Foreign Ministers Meet in Atlanta Amid Deep Divisions Over Russia

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened the two day G20 foreign ministers’ meeting by urging members to work together for stability and prosperity, warning that linked crises threaten global energy, food, trade and shipping. It is the final ministerial session before the leaders summit in Miami from December 14 to 16.

Lavrov’s Presence Upsets Allies

Rubio’s decision to invite Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov angered many attendees. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told him directly that Russian drones had killed 15 people the day before. Lavrov said Moscow’s Ukraine position was unchanged. The usual family photo was cancelled after European officials refused to stand beside him, and a Western diplomat said a third of members objected, including Australia and Canada. Germany’s Johann Wadephul said there is no normalcy with Russia. Ukraine was not invited.

Why a Joint Declaration Looks Unlikely

Consensus has been out of reach since Russia’s 2022 invasion, so only a chair’s statement is expected. Former State Department economist Heidi Crebo-Rediker said the split is wider than ever. Western officials say members share fears that renewed US strikes on Iran could push oil prices higher. Saturday’s talks cover critical minerals and Rubio’s Pax Silica plan, while EU chief Kaja Kallas will press for more Ukraine support and accountability.