Lavrov Sidelined After Failed US Negotiations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reportedly lost favor with Kremlin leadership following the collapse of a planned summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, according to The Moscow Times.
Failed Talks and Fallout
Lavrov’s weakened position followed a failed conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which contributed to the cancellation of the Putin–Trump summit. The outcome appeared to damage Lavrov’s standing with Putin.
Notable Absence from Security Council Meeting
Russian media noted that Lavrov, who has led the Foreign Ministry for over 20 years, was absent from a key Security Council meeting on November 5. This meeting with permanent members, including Lavrov, involved discussions where Putin tasked officials with preparing proposals to resume nuclear tests, last conducted by Russia in 1990.
Lavrov was "absent by agreement" and was the only permanent Security Council member to skip the session.
Changes in Representation at G20
Lavrov also lost his role as head of Russia’s delegation to the G20 summit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated the delegation would now be led by Deputy Chief of Staff Maksim Oreshkin.
According to Peskov, the decision to appoint Oreshkin as delegation leader was made by President Putin.
Summary
Sergey Lavrov’s diminished role reflects a shift in Kremlin strategy following failed US negotiations and signals a possible reorganization of Russia's diplomatic leadership under President Putin.