Lavrov Sidelined After Failed US Negotiations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reportedly fallen out of favor following the collapse of a planned summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, as reported by The Moscow Times.
Unsuccessful Talks Led to Summit Collapse
Lavrov's position weakened after a failed discussion with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which contributed to the breakdown of the planned Putin–Trump summit.
Absence from Key Security Council Meeting
Russian media revealed that Lavrov, aged 76 and head of the Foreign Ministry for over 20 years, did not attend a critical Security Council meeting on November 5, where Putin met with permanent members to discuss resuming nuclear tests, last conducted by Russia in 1990.
Lavrov was "absent by agreement" and was the only permanent Security Council member to miss the session.
Loss of Leadership 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."
Author's summary: Sergey Lavrov's influence in Kremlin affairs wanes after failed US talks, marked by his absence at key meetings and loss of leadership roles in major international events.