Lavrov Sidelined After Failed US Negotiations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reportedly fallen out of favor following the collapse of a planned summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, according to The Moscow Times.
Failed Summit Talks
Lavrov’s decline in standing is linked to an unsuccessful conversation between him and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which contributed to the summit’s cancellation. The summit was intended to be a significant diplomatic meeting between Putin and Trump.
Absence from Key Security Council Meeting
Russian media noted that the 76-year-old Lavrov, who has led the Foreign Ministry for over 20 years, was notably absent from a critical Security Council meeting convened by Putin on November 5. The Council includes permanent members such as Lavrov.
At this session, Putin instructed officials to prepare proposals to resume nuclear testing, something Russia last conducted in 1990.
Lavrov was "absent by agreement" and was the only permanent Security Council member to miss this important meeting.
Loss of Leadership Role at G20 Summit
Lavrov has also lost his role as head of the Russian delegation to the G20 summit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that this year the delegation will be led by Deputy Chief of Staff Maksim Oreshkin.
According to Peskov, the appointment of Oreshkin was decided by President Putin.
Summary
After diplomatic setbacks, Sergey Lavrov has been sidelined in key roles within Russia’s foreign affairs and Security Council activities, reflecting a shift in Putin’s strategy.