G20 ‘family photo’ cancelled after protests over presence of Russian minister

A significant diplomatic incident unfolded at the recent G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, where the traditional group photograph event was reportedly cancelled. This decision came amidst considerable protests and unease surrounding the attendance of the Russian minister at the summit. The presence of Russia’s representative sparked strong reactions from several delegations, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the customary group photo as a clear indication of protest and a lack of unity among some members. During the proceedings, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband directly engaged with his Russian counterpart. Miliband is reported to have delivered a forceful rebuke, explicitly accusing the Russian government of being responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians in Ukraine. This direct confrontation underscored the deep divisions and escalating international tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, overshadowing much of the planned agenda for the G20 gathering. The diplomatic friction highlighted the challenging environment for consensus-building within the forum, particularly on issues related to global security and stability.