Lavrov Sidelined After Failed US Negotiations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has lost favor following the collapse of a planned summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, reports The Moscow Times.
Failed Negotiations Trigger Fallout
Lavrov's decline in Kremlin influence reportedly followed a failed discussion with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which led to the summit's cancellation.
Notable Absence at Security Council Meeting
Russian media noted that Lavrov, 76, who has led the Foreign Ministry for over two decades, was "absent by agreement" from a key Security Council meeting on November 5.
This meeting, attended by permanent members including Lavrov, saw Putin instruct officials to draft proposals to resume nuclear testing, which Russia last conducted in 1990.
Lavrov was the only permanent member to skip this critical session.
Loss of Role at G20 Summit
Lavrov also lost his role as head of the Russian delegation to the G20 summit.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Deputy Chief of Staff Maksim Oreshkin will lead the delegation this year.
According to Peskov, "the decision to appoint Oreshkin was made by Putin."
Lavrov's exclusion from major diplomatic events signals a shift in Russia's foreign policy leadership.
Author’s summary: Sergey Lavrov’s diminishing influence after failed US talks reflects significant shifts within Russia’s diplomatic ranks and leadership strategies.