Lavrov Sidelined After Failed US Summit Negotiations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reportedly fallen out of favor following the collapse of a planned summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, according to The Moscow Times. The failure is attributed to an unsuccessful discussion between Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which led to the summit's cancellation.
Lavrov's Absence from Key Security Council Meeting
Russian media highlighted that Lavrov, aged 76 and Foreign Minister for over two decades, was notably missing from a crucial Security Council meeting held by Putin on November 5. This meeting included all permanent members of the council, yet Lavrov was absent "by agreement" and was the only one to skip the session.
Putin directed officials to explore proposals for resuming nuclear tests, activities Russia last performed in 1990.
Change in Representation at the G20 Summit
Lavrov has also lost his role as head of the Russian delegation to the upcoming G20 summit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Deputy Chief of Staff Maksim Oreshkin will lead the delegation, a decision made personally by President Putin.
These developments mark a significant shift in Lavrov's standing within the Kremlin following the failed US negotiations.
Author’s summary: Sergey Lavrov's diminished role in Kremlin affairs follows the collapse of a summit with the US, signaling a shift in Putin's inner circle and strategic approach.