Lavrov Leads Russia to Atlanta G20 as Visa Delays Raise Tensions
Russia’s foreign minister will lead a delegation to the October 30-31 ministerial meeting, with officials noting late logistical adjustments and a push to promote multipolar principles.
By Giovanni Serrano ·
Sergei Lavrov will lead the Russian delegation to a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Atlanta this week. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the travel plans, with the gathering scheduled for October 30 and 31. These ministerial talks precede the group’s leaders’ summit, where US President Donald Trump anticipates a conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokesperson, announced the details. She noted that the G20 is currently operating under the American presidency. Zakharova stated that the ministerial meeting in this specific format would occur in the US city of Atlanta. Her comments were reported by Interfax and relayed by European Pravda.
Logistical preparations for the Russian team’s stay in the United States were finalized late in the process. Zakharova indicated that most organizational questions were settled only at the last minute. She suggested that not all officials in Washington welcomed the planned visit, pointing to the handling of American visas for Russian delegates by the US Embassy in Moscow. Zakharova said there was an impression of reluctance on that front.
Substantive discussions are expected to cover a wide range of geopolitical challenges. Zakharova described these as conflicts and confrontational trends that undermine the foundations of the global economy. She identified the global economy as the central topic of the talks. However, she argued that it cannot be examined without analyzing geopolitical developments, including destructive ones.
Russia intends to use the platform to promote its ideas for strengthening a multipolar world. Zakharova outlined these concepts as being based on the full set of principles of the United Nations Charter. The Russian position emphasizes respect for country sovereignty and the development of equal and mutually beneficial cooperation between nations.
The visit follows an invitation from Washington for Putin to attend the G20 summit in Miami in December. The Kremlin stated that Russia is grateful for and appreciates the invitation. Moscow promised to decide later whether Putin will attend the Florida event.
On October 17, Trump said he did not know whether Putin would attend the summit. Five days later, on October 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine will be represented at the highest level at the Florida summit if Trump invites him.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda
