Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Kremlin Denies Reports of Lavrov Sidelined by Putin
Some news stories have suggested that Russia's top diplomat, Mr. Lavrov, is in trouble with President Putin and isn't being seen much.
This started because he missed a meeting about nuclear weapons and hasn't been in public much recently.
Also, a meeting with the US president was canceled after Mr. Lavrov spoke with a US official, and some think Mr. Lavrov was too stubborn.
However, a spokesperson for the Russian president said these stories are not true at all.
They said Mr. Lavrov is still doing his important job as the foreign minister.
He's been doing this job for a very long time, over 20 years.
It was also mentioned that he didn't attend a recent meeting because it was pre-arranged, and he won't be going to a big international meeting, but someone else will go for Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied claims that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has been sidelined by President Vladimir Putin.
Speculation about Lavrov's diminished role emerged after a canceled summit with the US and his absence from recent public and Kremlin events.
Reports suggested the US canceled a summit with Russia after Lavrov's uncompromising stance on the Ukraine war.
Lavrov's last reported public appearance was on October 28 at a conference in Belarus.
Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Head of Putin's Administration, will represent Russia at the upcoming G20 summit, a role typically fulfilled by Lavrov.
- Who
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov
- What
- The Kremlin has dismissed reports and speculation that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has been sidelined by President Putin, asserting that Lavrov remains in his role.
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Moscow
- Why
- Speculation arose from Lavrov's absence from a Kremlin meeting and a reported US cancellation of a summit following Lavrov's stance on the Ukraine war.
Media Reports and Speculation
Kremlin Response
Lavrov's Position and Visibility
Media Reports and Speculation
Reports suggested Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had been sidelined by President Vladimir Putin and had disappeared from public view, fueled by his absence from a Kremlin meeting on nuclear weapons testing and his last public appearance on October 28.
Kremlin Response
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed these claims as 'completely untrue' and stated that 'Veteran diplomat Lavrov remains in his role.'
Reason for Canceled Summit
Media Reports and Speculation
The US abruptly canceled a proposed Budapest summit with Russia following a call between Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reportedly due to Lavrov's uncompromising stance on the Ukraine war.
Kremlin Response
The Kremlin has not provided a specific reason for the summit's cancellation but has denied speculation regarding Lavrov's role or standing.
Representation at G20 Summit
Media Reports and Speculation
Lavrov will not lead the Russian delegation at the G20 summit, with Deputy Head of Putin's Administration Maxim Oreshkin to represent Russia instead. This is noted as unusual given Lavrov's normal role.
Kremlin Response
The Kremlin stated that Lavrov missed the meeting 'with prior agreement,' implying his absence from the nuclear weapons testing discussion was planned.
- Foreign Minister
- Sergei Lavrov
- President
- Vladimir Putin
- Kremlin Spokesperson
- Dmitry Peskov
- US Secretary of State (referenced)
- Marco Rubio
- Lavrov's Tenure as Foreign Minister
- 21 years
- Last Public Appearance (reported)
- October 28 at Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security
- Representative at G20 Summit
- Maxim Oreshkin
