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 Talks and Kremlin Reaction
Lavrov’s decline in influence came after an unsuccessful conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which contributed to the breakdown of the Putin–Trump summit plans. Following this setback, Lavrov did not attend a crucial November 5 meeting of Russia’s Security Council convened by Putin.
Security Council Meeting Details
The meeting included permanent members of the Security Council, a group to which Lavrov belongs. During the session, Putin directed officials to consider proposals for resuming nuclear tests, which Russia has not conducted since 1990. Lavrov was "absent by agreement" and was the only permanent member to miss this important meeting.
Changes in Delegation Leadership
Lavrov also lost his position as head of the Russian delegation to the G20 summit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that Deputy Chief of Staff Maksim Oreshkin would lead the delegation this year. Peskov added that the decision to appoint Oreshkin was made by Putin.
"Lavrov was absent by agreement from the meeting, and notably, he was the only permanent member of the Security Council who skipped the important session."
"This year the delegation will be led by Deputy Chief of Staff Maksim Oreshkin. The decision to appoint Oreshkin was made by Putin."
Lavrov’s diminished role marks a significant shift in Kremlin dynamics following the failed diplomatic initiative with the United States.
Author's summary: Sergey Lavrov’s influence in the Kremlin wanes after failed US talks, missing key Security Council meetings and losing his G20 delegation leadership role.