Kremlin Denies Lavrov Fell Out of Favor with Putin
Speculation that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov lost favor with President Vladimir Putin is unfounded, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on November 8.
"I will give you a brief answer: there is nothing true in these reports," Peskov told Russian media during a briefing. "Lavrov is working as the foreign minister, of course."
Context of the Speculation
The rumors arose after Lavrov's absence from a key meeting chaired by Putin on November 5 and his removal as head of the Russian delegation at the G20 summit. This year, Maxim Oreshkin, deputy head of Russia's presidential administration, will lead the delegation.
Background on the Canceled Budapest Summit
- Lavrov spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 21 to discuss terms for the Budapest summit.
- Following the call, Rubio reportedly advised the U.S. president to cancel the meeting.
- Sources told Reuters the summit collapsed due to the Kremlin’s rigid stance, demanding excessive concessions and refusing to accept a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Consequences After the Summit Cancellation
The canceled summit was followed by the first U.S. sanctions on Russia since the President’s return to office, targeting major oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil.
Summary
The Kremlin firmly rejects claims that Sergey Lavrov has fallen out of favor with Putin, emphasizing his ongoing role despite recent diplomatic setbacks and summit cancellations.