Kremlin Denies Lavrov Fell Out of Favor with Putin
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed reports that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has lost favor with President Vladimir Putin. Addressing Russian media on November, Peskov said,
"I will give you a brief answer: there is nothing true in these reports."He confirmed that Lavrov continues to serve in his role as foreign minister.
Amid Summit Cancellation and Political Speculation
The denial comes after reports suggested Lavrov's influence diminished following a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This exchange allegedly contributed to the cancellation of a planned Budapest summit between Putin and the U.S. president.
Lavrov's Kremlin Role Questioned
Despite being a permanent member of the Russian Security Council, Lavrov was absent from a significant meeting chaired by Putin on November 5, raising questions about his position within the Kremlin. Additionally, he lost his role as head of the Russian delegation at this year's G20 summit, which will be led by Maxim Oreshkin, deputy head of Russia's presidential administration.
Details of the Rubio-Lavrov Communication
- On October 21, Lavrov and Rubio discussed terms for the Budapest summit over the phone.
- Following the call, Rubio reportedly advised the U.S. president to cancel the summit.
- Sources told Reuters the cancellation resulted from the Kremlin's rigid demands, including refusal to accept a ceasefire in Ukraine and demands for excessive concessions.
Aftermath and U.S. Sanctions
The summit's cancellation was soon followed by the first U.S. sanctions on Russia after the president’s return to office, targeting major oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil.
Author's summary: The Kremlin denies Lavrov has lost Putin's favor despite political rumors linked to a canceled summit and shifting diplomatic roles, emphasizing his ongoing service as foreign minister.