Canada's foreign minister confronts Russian counterpart at G20 meeting

ATLANTA · Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confronted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta on Friday, telling him Russia has committed horrific crimes in Ukraine. Anand said she looked Lavrov in the eye from across the table and delivered her message directly. "I incontrovertibly stated that Russia has committed horrific crimes in its war against Ukraine, including devastating global energy and food supply chains," she told The Canadian Press. The meeting's American hosts cancelled the traditional group photo after European diplomats objected to being pictured with Lavrov.

Anand said Lavrov responded by repeating Kremlin talking points, including a denial that Russia uses energy for political leverage. "He accused the EU of slavery and piracy for seizing Russian vessels in the shadow fleet," she said, referring to ships that hide their origin to export Russian oil. The minister also raised the issues of Russia kidnapping Ukrainian children and attacking vessels in the Black Sea. She noted she arrived after the planned photo opportunity and said she did not want her picture taken with Lavrov in any case.

At a separate news conference, Lavrov suggested Western countries were not interested in genuine dialogue. "All they care about is having me in a photograph, and that's it," he said through an interpreter. Anand said maritime security was a key concern for nearly all G20 members, citing Russian strikes on grain ships in the Black Sea and Iran reducing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. She argued the forum's strength lies in finding common ground, which existed on ensuring safe passage for ships except, she said, with Lavrov.

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Anand also used the meeting to promote Canada as an energy supplier to other nations. She reiterated Canada's opposition to the U.S. decision to exclude South Africa from this year's G20 meetings, calling the American claims about a genocide targeting white South Africans false. "South Africa should be present," Anand said, adding that Canada shares an interest in a functional and inclusive G20. The minister's attendance followed a Canada-EU summit in Montreal and preceded the upcoming Commonwealth summit.

Anand described the period as one of intense diplomatic activity for Canada. She is travelling to Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth summit, which Prime Minister Mark Carney will join on Monday. Anand said Canada supports a strong Commonwealth mandate on democracy, including through its ministerial action group on human rights. The G20 meeting occurred amid ongoing challenges for Ukraine, including reported problems with access to American satellite technology and a U.S. diesel deal that benefits Russia.

With files from The Canadian Press and CityNews