Lavrov Sidelined After Failed US Talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reportedly lost favor following the collapse of a planned summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, according to The Moscow Times.
The tension arose after an unsuccessful conversation between Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which led to the cancellation of the anticipated Putin–Trump meeting. Russian media noted that the 76-year-old diplomat, who has led the Foreign Ministry for over two decades, was missing from a crucial session of Russia’s Security Council on November 5.
Absence from Security Council Meeting
During the gathering of permanent Security Council members — which traditionally includes Lavrov — President Putin instructed officials to draft proposals for resuming nuclear tests, last conducted by Russia in 1990.
Lavrov was “absent by agreement” from the meeting, and he was the only permanent member of the council who did not attend.
Loss of G20 Role
Simultaneously, Lavrov has been removed as head of Russia’s delegation to the G20 summit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that Deputy Chief of Staff Maksim Oreshkin will lead the delegation instead, noting that the decision was personally approved by President Putin.
Author’s Summary
After failed US negotiations, Sergey Lavrov appears to have lost Putin’s confidence, marked by his absence from the Security Council and removal from the G20 leadership role.