Kremlin dismisses speculation that Lavrov has fallen out of favor with Putin

Kremlin Dismisses Speculation About Lavrov’s Standing with Putin

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, known as a seasoned diplomat with a firm negotiating style, was notably absent from a major Kremlin meeting this week—a session he would usually attend. The Kremlin on Friday denied speculation that Lavrov had lost President Vladimir Putin’s trust.

Rumors arose after last month’s efforts to arrange a summit between President Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump were postponed. Adding to the speculation, Putin designated another official to represent Russia at the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, a task traditionally assigned to Lavrov.

For the second consecutive week, the Foreign Ministry has not released Lavrov’s travel plans or scheduled public appearances, prompting questions about his current role.

“Lavrov, 75, a veteran Soviet-era diplomat known for his robust negotiating style, was absent from a big Kremlin meeting this week that he would typically attend.”

Kremlin’s Position

The Kremlin emphasized that any claims of Lavrov’s marginalization are unfounded, maintaining that he continues to serve as foreign minister and remains in close coordination with the president on foreign affairs.

Author’s Summary

Despite his recent absences from key events, the Kremlin insists Sergey Lavrov retains Putin’s confidence and remains a central figure in Russia’s foreign policy.

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The Japan Times The Japan Times — 2025-11-08

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