Lavrov, Global Diplomats Gather at G20 Meeting in South Africa

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is attending the G20 meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, where European diplomats are expected to reaffirm their support for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions following Russia's invasion. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's absence from the meeting highlights the strained relations between the U.S. and South Africa, as he is replaced by Acting Ambassador Dana Brown. Lavrov's agenda includes addressing international conflicts and promoting Russia's initiatives during his speech, focusing on economic cooperation and opposing sanctions. The G20 forum, which includes major economies and the EU, aims to discuss global stability while European nations push for a stronger stance against Russia's actions. There are concerns regarding the effectiveness of the G20 due to the absence of key U.S. officials and the differing interests of member countries. Overall, the meeting serves as a significant platform for dialogue on geopolitical and economic challenges in the current global landscape.