Politics

G20 ‘family’ photo set to be scrapped over Ukraine tensions

G20 'family' photo set to be scrapped over Ukraine tensions

The “family” photo of world leaders looks set to be scrapped at next week’s G20 summit over tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine.

The picture is a tradition at the annual meeting, which brings together the heads of the largest economies to discuss policy.

But it is understood the Indonesian hosts have cancelled the group photo opportunity as a result of the divide between some nations on the conflict.

There are also question marks over whether the usual joint statement issued at the end of the summit will go ahead.

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A virtual family photo had to be posed in 2020 because of the COVID pandemic
Leaders pose for a family photo at the G20 Summit in Osaka on June 28, 2019
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Theresa May’s last family photo as PM was when the gathering took place in Japan, with both Vladamir Putin and Donald Trump on the front row

Russian President Vladamir Putin is expected to pull out of the gathering in Bali, instead sending his foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.

British officials see the move as a sign of weakness, as he would undoubtedly face criticism at the conference amid continuing setbacks in his war operations.

Meanwhile, Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to address the group by video link.

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Western leaders, including the UK and US, have unanimously backed Ukraine since the invasion and condemned the actions of Russia.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will fly out on Sunday and is expected to use the two-day to “confront” Russian officials with other western allies about the conflict, Downing Street has said.

Other leaders expected to attend include US President Joe Biden, France’s Emmanuel Macron and China’s Xi Jinping.