Putin's Right-Hand Man Missing from Key Kremlin Meeting
The sudden absence of Russia’s long-serving foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, from a high-profile Kremlin meeting and from the G20 delegation has sparked speculation about a possible rift between him and President Vladimir Putin.
In Soviet times, Western analysts closely examined recordings of state ceremonies, trying to decode the pecking order—who stood closest to the leader, what gestures revealed loyalty, and who might be losing influence. Today, this tradition continues with experts dissecting new footage from one of the Kremlin’s significant sessions.
The Meeting That Raised Questions
On Wednesday, Russia's Security Council convened a landmark meeting where President Vladimir Putin instructed his top aides to prepare potential proposals for a nuclear weapons test. It was a gathering no senior official would normally skip.
Yet, Sergei Lavrov, a permanent member of the Council and one of Putin’s most seasoned allies, was notably missing.
Official Explanation
According to the Russian business daily Kommersant, Lavrov’s absence was “coordinated”.
Even with that clarification, his nonappearance has raised eyebrows across diplomatic and political circles, both within Moscow and abroad.
Historical Parallels
Observers note that Kremlin hierarchy has always been partially revealed through optics and presence. An empty chair can sometimes tell more than a thousand words in Russia’s political theater.
Author’s summary: Lavrov’s unexplained absence from Putin’s Security Council and international events has ignited talk of changing dynamics within the Kremlin elite and possible tensions at the top.