Kremlin responds to claims of Putin-Lavrov spat over Trump

Kremlin Denies Rift Between Putin and Lavrov Over Trump Meeting

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed media claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin had a disagreement with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov following the cancellation of a planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Hungary.

Cancellation of Trump-Putin Summit

The proposed Trump-Putin summit was called off after Sergey Lavrov spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussion revealed minimal chances for progress on peace in Ukraine and ruled out any ceasefire demanded by the White House.

Trump, aiming to mediate peace in Ukraine, had previously met Putin in August in Alaska. Despite efforts, Russia not only maintained but intensified its aggression against Ukraine, causing frustration for Trump.

U.S. Strategy and Diplomatic Efforts

The President is attempting to end the war through economic sanctions and secondary tariffs combined with diplomatic negotiations with Moscow. The canceled Budapest meeting was viewed as a crucial opportunity in this strategy.

Peskov's Comments on Lavrov's Role

“There is nothing true in these reports,” Peskov said, as reported by the state news agency TASS. “Of course, Lavrov continues to serve as foreign minister.”

Lavrov's Absence from Security Council Meeting

Lavrov was absent from a recent in-person Security Council session of its permanent members, during which Putin requested a report on preparations for possible nuclear tests if the U.S. escalates tensions. An unnamed source told the Russian newspaper Kommersant that Lavrov agreed to miss the meeting despite his permanent membership.

Summary

The Kremlin denies any conflict between Putin and Lavrov regarding the canceled Trump meeting, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic and economic efforts amid escalating conflict in Ukraine.

Newsweek — 2025-11-07