'A lot of lies': Kaja Kallas criticises Lavrov following G20 meetings

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Kaja Kallas accuses Sergey Lavrov of lying at G20 meeting

   EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of spreading "a lot of lies" during G20 foreign ministers meetings held October 30-31 in Atlanta. Kallas specifically targeted Lavrov's claims regarding the war in Ukraine and warned that hosting Vladimir Putin at the G20 could normalize war crimes. The summit was marked by deep divisions over conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, leading the U.S. to cancel the traditional family photo after the UK, Australia, and other nations refused to appear with the Russian representative.

   Why it matters

   The G20 serves as a primary forum for the world's largest economies to coordinate global policy. Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have created diplomatic rifts that now prevent basic ceremonial protocols. The tension reflects a broader Western strategy to isolate Russian leadership.

   What is confirmed

   • The G20 foreign ministers meeting took place in Atlanta on October 30-31, 2026.
   • Kaja Kallas accused Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of lying during the G20 talks, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine.
   • The United States cancelled the G20 family photo session because countries including the UK and Australia refused to be pictured with Russia.
   • Kaja Kallas stated that hosting Vladimir Putin at the G20 may normalize war crimes.
   • British Foreign Minister Ed Miliband told Lavrov in the plenary that he should have the courage to tell Putin that Russia will not win the war.

   Still unconfirmed

   • One European diplomat described Lavrov's remarks at the meeting as quite provocative.
   • Marco Rubio reaffirmed backing for Poland's membership during the event.

   What to watch next

   • Official G20 communique release regarding Ukraine and Middle East conflicts.
   • Diplomatic response from the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding Kallas' accusations.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. www.euronews.com — French debt | Euronews
   2. Reuters — Rifts over wars in Ukraine, Middle East loom over G20 meeting in US
   3. The New York Times — Distaste for Russian Diplomat Forces U.S. to Cancel Photo Session in Atlanta
   4. The Guardian — US cancels G20 ‘family photo’ after Australia, UK and others refuse to appear with Russia
   5. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Moscow’s Lavrov snubbed at G20 in Atlanta
   6. Reuters — G20 foreign ministers skip photo-op amid objections over Russia
   7. Euronews.com — 'A lot of lies': Kaja Kallas criticises Russian FM Lavrov following G20 meetings
   8. Bloomberg.com — EU’s Kallas Says Hosting Putin at G20 May Normalize War Crimes
   9. U.S. Department of State (.gov) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a Press Availability
   10. U.S. Department of State (.gov) — Secretary Rubio’s Travel to Atlanta to Host the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, October 30-31, 2026
   11. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution — Atlanta played host to world’s largest economies as they debate global issues
   12. www.euronews.com — 'A lot of lies': Kaja Kallas criticises Russian FM Lavrov ...
   confidence 95%