Kremlin Responds to Claims of Putin-Lavrov Dispute Over Trump
The Kremlin has denied media rumors alleging tension between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov following the cancellation of a planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Hungary.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, reports of a fallout between Putin and Lavrov are unfounded. The proposed Trump-Putin summit was scrapped after a preparatory phone call between Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which both sides recognized that progress toward peace in Ukraine was unlikely—particularly since the White House had demanded a ceasefire that Moscow refused.
President Trump, continuing his efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine, previously met with Putin in Alaska in August. However, Russia has since intensified its military campaign, complicating diplomatic efforts from Washington. The canceled Budapest meeting was considered a potential breakthrough in ongoing negotiations combining economic sanctions and diplomatic outreach.
“There is nothing true in these reports,” said Peskov, as quoted by TASS. “Of course, Lavrov continues to serve as foreign minister.”
This week, Lavrov did not attend an in-person Security Council session of its permanent members, during which Putin requested an update on preparations for possible nuclear tests if U.S. actions warranted. An unnamed source told the Russian newspaper Kommersant that Lavrov voluntarily skipped the meeting despite his standing as a permanent member.
Author’s Summary
The Kremlin denied any rift between Putin and Lavrov after the canceled Trump meeting, emphasizing the foreign minister retains his position and Moscow’s stance on Ukraine remains unchanged.