Key diplomatic dynamics at G20: Lavrov’s role and U.S. absence

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in South Africa on Thursday for a two-day gathering of the Group of 20 nations, where leading European diplomats are anticipated to reaffirm their backing for Ukraine, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio notably chose to skip the event.

Lavrov’s visit to Johannesburg coincides with a significant bilateral dialogue between the United States and Russia aimed at resolving the ongoing…