Kallas Says Lavrov Spread Lies at G20 in Atlanta; US Approves 500 Patriot Missiles for Ukraine

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Friday accused Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of presenting lies about the war in Ukraine at a G20 (group of major world economies) foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta. She said Moscow did not appear ready for peace negotiations. On the same day, the US government approved the sale of 500 Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine, but deliveries may not begin for years.

Tension at the G20

Kallas told Agence France-Presse that in discussions on major geopolitical crises, including Ukraine, Lavrov could be confronted directly. By her account, the Russian minister put forward many lies and false narratives, which were rebuked. She stressed that Russia's actions contradict its words, saying July, August and September were the deadliest months for civilians in Ukraine.

The talks focus on global economic growth, energy security and trade. European officials urged Russia to agree to a ceasefire in the Black Sea, an important agricultural export corridor. Lavrov conceded no ground on Ukraine and, at a press conference, criticised Europeans for an "arrogant boycott" while praising the readiness of US President Donald Trump's administration to engage with Moscow.

A traditional group photo of ministers was cancelled after some European officials objected to standing alongside Lavrov. UK foreign secretary Ed Miliband said Britain has not engaged with Russians in that way for years, and German foreign minister Johann Wadephul said there is "no normality with Russia". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefly spoke with Lavrov, who called it a "decent talk". Trump has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to Florida in December. New talks between Moscow, Kyiv and Washington are expected in November.

Patriot missiles for Ukraine

The US State Department said it approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine for an estimated $2.1bn; the deal still goes to Congress for review. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said deliveries may begin "ONLY IN A FEW YEARS". Two people briefed on the decision said the missiles have yet to be manufactured and are not expected until a couple of years into the 2030s. Zelenskyy suggested allies hand over stockpiled missiles now, to be replenished later by the new purchase.

Evacuation from Oleshky

On Friday, residents of the besieged, Russian-held city of Oleshky on the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine were evacuated in a joint relief operation, the first of its kind in four years and eight months of war. The city had faced months of food and medicine shortages. US first lady Melania Trump posted that the convoy safely evacuated more than 750 people.