Meeting in Atlanta: G20 foreign ministers cannot find a common language

The G20 foreign ministers discussed international crises in Atlanta for two days. The main focus was on the consequences for the global economy. The meeting was overshadowed by tensions - e.g

Meeting in Atlanta Deep divisions at the G20 table As of: October 31, 2026 • 5:54 p.m

The G20 foreign ministers discussed international crises in Atlanta for two days. The main focus was on the consequences for the global economy. The meeting was overshadowed by tensions - especially with Russia.

No joint final declaration, no group photo: the foreign ministers of the world's 20 important trading nations cannot find a common language. Deep rifts once again became visible between the states in the G20 round in Atlanta.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul points out that the participants are aware of the seriousness of the situation: "Everyone notices, everyone knows that the world is in an extraordinarily critical situation and that it is our job here to try everything to defuse conflicts and crises."

However, many conflicts cannot currently be bridged - especially with Russia, which was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He regularly sat at the large G20 table. Present in the conference room is the Russian flag alongside those of the other states and the question: How to deal with a state that has invaded its neighbor and that Germany and its partners see as a threat?

The rifts between the participants are deep: Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov in particular was not sparing with criticism. more

Wadephul's line: don't refuse the conversation. And at the same time criticize Russia harshly. Hoping for at least small successes, Wadephul said in the ZDF interview: "We will not solve the Ukraine conflict as a whole, but we must make it possible for grain to be transported from Ukraine and Russia to the global south." Many other participants also made this point clear.

But such demands remain, there is no concrete movement. On the contrary: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov didn't just complain about Germany and the Europeans in a press conference. According to his own statement, he sees no practical progress in relations with the USA - despite Donald Trump's overtures to Russia.

The prospect of a ceasefire in Ukraine remains vague. more

It has become clear again and again that the G20 host USA is less concerned with the political conflicts than with ensuring that business runs smoothly. Foreign Minister Marco Rubio also expressed this: "The economic challenges facing our countries are complex and interconnected. Since we are all faced with these challenges, we must also work together to overcome them."

This will also be the issue when the G20 heads of state and government meet in mid-December. Donald Trump invited them to his golf resort in Miami - including the Russian President. It remains to be seen whether Vladimir Putin will actually take part.

This topic in the program: tagesschau.de | G20 meeting in Atlanta: Foreign ministers cannot find a common language | October 31, 2026 | 3:38 p.m