Updated October 31, 2026 — 5:50am , first published 4:25am

Atlanta: The US was forced to cancel the traditional “family photo” of foreign ministers at the G20 in Atlanta after diplomats from around the world refused to appear alongside Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, who is attending at the invitation of the American hosts.

The photo had been scheduled for 10am Friday (Atlanta time) but did not take place. There was no statement from the US about the cancellation, but an official said they did not want the issue to become a distraction.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, second from left, at the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta on Friday (US time). Megan Varner/Pool Reuters via AP

Foreign Minister Penny Wong made it known she would not participate in a photograph with Lavrov, a source with knowledge of the matter said. Reuters reported Canada also objected.

The Europeans publicly made clear they would boycott any family photo with the Russians.…