Kremlin Denies Rift Between Putin and Lavrov Over Trump Meeting
The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has rejected media claims about a fallout between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The dispute supposedly arose from the cancellation of a planned meeting between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Hungary.
Cancellation of Trump-Putin Summit
The summit was called off after a preparatory call between Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated little chance of progress on peace in Ukraine. The White House had demanded a ceasefire, which was not forthcoming.
Context of Ukraine Conflict and Trump’s Role
- Trump has tried to mediate peace in Ukraine and met with Putin in Alaska in August.
- Despite this, Russia has not only continued but intensified its military actions in Ukraine, causing frustration for Trump.
- The U.S. approach blends economic pressure through sanctions and diplomatic efforts, with the Budapest meeting seen as potentially crucial.
Peskov’s Clarification on Lavrov’s Position
“There is nothing true in these reports,” Peskov said, according to state news agency TASS. “Of course, Lavrov continues to serve as foreign minister.”
Lavrov was notably absent from a recent in-person Security Council meeting of permanent members, where Putin requested a report on preparations for nuclear tests if necessary. A source told Kommersant that Lavrov agreed to miss the meeting despite being a permanent council member.
Summary
The Kremlin dismissed rumors of tension between Putin and Lavrov related to the Trump meeting cancellation, affirming Lavrov’s continued role amid ongoing diplomatic complexities surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
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