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

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1. 1h ago

   Kaja Kallas slams Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov over G20 lies

   European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas sharply criticized Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for spreading falsehoods regarding the war in Ukraine during G20 foreign ministers meetings in Atlanta. Kallas stated that Lavrov displayed no willingness to make peace and warned that allowing Vladimir Putin to return to the G20 could normalize war crimes. The meetings also faced disruption when the United States cancelled the traditional family photo session after Australia, the United Kingdom, and other nations refused to appear alongside the Russian delegation. British Foreign Minister Ed Miliband stated he told Lavrov during the plenary that Russia will not win the war.

   Why it matters

   The diplomatic friction in Atlanta underscores deep international divisions over the war in Ukraine and the treatment of Moscow on the global stage. Secretary of State Marco Rubio navigated a difficult environment as foreign ministers struggled to reach a consensus on key global issues. Meanwhile, European politicians continue to press for the seizure of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

   What is confirmed

   • EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for spreading lies at the G20 meetings in Atlanta.
   • The United States cancelled the G20 family photo after Australia, the UK, and other nations refused to appear with Russia.
   • British Foreign Minister Ed Miliband told Lavrov in the plenary that Russia will not win the war.
   • Kallas stated that hosting Putin at the G20 risks normalizing Russian war crimes.
   • G20 foreign ministers in Atlanta ended their meeting without consensus on key issues.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Lavrov's remarks at the meeting of G20 foreign ministers were described as quite provocative by an unnamed European diplomat.

   What to watch next

   • Decisions by EU nations regarding the seizure of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine support
   • Further G20 member diplomatic stances regarding potential future attendance by Vladimir Putin
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. www.euronews.com — French debt | Euronews
   2. The New York Times — Distaste for Russian Diplomat Forces U.S. to Cancel Photo Session in Atlanta
   3. The Guardian — US cancels G20 ‘family photo’ after Australia, UK and others refuse to appear with Russia
   4. AP News — G20 foreign ministers in Atlanta meeting head to an ending without consensus on key issues
   5. NPR — Secretary Rubio has a tough time getting officials at G20 on the same page
   6. Euronews.com — 'A lot of lies': Kaja Kallas criticises Russian FM Lavrov following G20 meetings
   7. Bloomberg.com — EU’s Kallas Says Hosting Putin at G20 May Normalize War Crimes
   8. Українська правда — Russia's Lavrov showed no willingness to make peace at G20 meeting, EU's chief diplomat says
   9. The Times — Rachel Reeves urges EU to seize €210bn in Russian assets for Ukraine
   10. Anadolu Ajansı — European politicians urge EU to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine
   11. politico.eu — Putin’s potential G20 comeback risks normalizing Russian war crimes, says Kallas
   12. Ukrinform — Kallas accuses Lavrov of lying at G20 foreign ministers’ meeting
   confidence 95%