Kallas Rebukes Lavrov Over ‘Lies’ and Falsehoods at G20

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Kaja Kallas Accuses Sergey Lavrov of Spreading Lies at G20 Meeting

   EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of using "many lies" and "false narratives" regarding the war in Ukraine during G20 foreign ministers meetings in Atlanta. The gathering, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 30-31, ended without consensus on key issues. European diplomats shunned the Russian delegation, leading to the cancellation of the traditional G20 family photo. While Lavrov maintained the Kremlin's stance toward Kyiv, Kallas stated that European officials rejected the Russian narratives.

   Why it matters

   The G20 foreign ministers meeting serves as a primary venue for global diplomatic coordination on security and economics. The hostility toward Russia reflects ongoing tensions over the invasion of Ukraine. The absence of a consensus statement indicates a deepening divide between Western powers and Russia.

   What is confirmed

   • The G20 foreign ministers meeting took place in Atlanta on October 30-31, 2026.
   • EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of spreading lies and false narratives.
   • The G20 family photo was cancelled due to protests over the presence of the Russian minister.
   • The meeting of G20 foreign ministers concluded without consensus on key issues.
   • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the event and reaffirmed support for Poland's membership.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A European diplomat described Lavrov's remarks at the meeting as quite provocative.

   What to watch next

   • Publication of the final G20 Chair's Statement regarding the foreign ministers' meeting.
   • Official response from the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding Kallas's accusations.
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. www.kyivpost.com — Get the Latest Ukraine News Today - Kyiv Post
   2. BBC — G20 'family photo' cancelled after protests over presence of Russian minister
   3. The New York Times — Distaste for Russian Diplomat Forces U.S. to Cancel Photo Session in Atlanta
   4. dw.com — European diplomats shun Russia at G20 gathering in the US
   5. Euronews.com — 'A lot of lies': Kaja Kallas criticises Russian FM Lavrov following G20 meetings
   6. U.S. Department of State (.gov) — G20 Chair’s Statement G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
   7. U.S. Department of State (.gov) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a Press Availability
   8. U.S. Department of State (.gov) — Secretary Rubio’s Travel to Atlanta to Host the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, October 30-31, 2026
   9. CNBC — G20 foreign ministers end Atlanta meeting without consensus on key issues
   10. Kyiv Post — Kallas Rebukes Lavrov Over ‘Lies’ and Falsehoods at G20
   11. www.kyivpost.com — Kallas Rebukes Lavrov Over ‘Lies’ and Falsehoods at G20
   12. tvpworld.com — Kallas accuses Lavrov of ‘lies’ at G20 talks - tvpworld.com
   confidence 95%