Lavrov Sidelined After Failed US Negotiations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reportedly lost favor following the collapse of a planned summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, as reported by The Moscow Times.
Failed Negotiations and Kremlin Fallout
Lavrov’s decline in influence appears linked to an unsuccessful discussion with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which led to the summit’s cancellation. This diplomatic setback reportedly affected Lavrov’s standing with President Putin.
Notable Absence from Security Council Meeting
Russian media revealed that the 76-year-old Lavrov, who has led the Foreign Ministry for over two decades, was "absent by agreement" from a crucial Security Council meeting held by Putin on November 5. Lavrov was the only permanent member missing at the session, where Putin instructed the Council to develop proposals to resume nuclear tests last conducted in 1990.
Loss of Leadership Role at G20 Summit
Lavrov also lost his position as head of the Russian delegation to the G20 summit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that this year, Deputy Chief of Staff Maksim Oreshkin will lead the delegation, a decision made by President Putin.
Russian media reported Lavrov was "absent by agreement" from the Security Council meeting and was the only permanent member to skip it.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, "This year the delegation will be led by Deputy Chief of Staff Maksim Oreshkin."
Author's summary: Sergey Lavrov’s influence within the Kremlin diminishes after failed US talks and his sidelining from key meetings and leadership roles marks a shift in Putin’s inner circle dynamics.