Lavrov's Absence from Public Raises Speculation
Sergei Lavrov, Russia's veteran foreign policy figure, has not been publicly seen since late October, sparking rumors about his possible fall from favor with Vladimir Putin.
Kremlin Denies Rumors
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed these rumors during a meeting with journalists, emphasizing that Lavrov remains the Russian Foreign Minister and is still in office.
Reports of Lavrov Being Sidelined
On November 6, The Moscow Times reported that Putin had sidelined Lavrov. The report linked Lavrov’s absence to the unexpected cancellation of a meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump by the United States.
Missed Kremlin Meeting
Lavrov did not attend a Kremlin meeting on November 5, where Putin discussed the possibility of resuming nuclear weapons testing. The Kremlin clarified that Lavrov’s absence was planned in advance.
Last Public Appearance
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry website, Lavrov’s last public appearance was on October 28 at an international conference on Eurasian security in Minsk.
G20 Summit Leadership Change
Lavrov, aged 76, will not lead Russia’s delegation to the annual G20 summit this year. Instead, the Kremlin announced that Putin’s deputy chief of staff, Maxim Oreshkin, will head the delegation.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov: "Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov is still in office."
The Moscow Times report: "Putin had sidelined Lavrov, and the minister’s disappearance from the public eye was due to the sudden cancellation of a meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump by the United States."
Author's summary: Sergei Lavrov’s recent absence from public events has stirred rumors of his political sidelining, which the Kremlin firmly denies, confirming his ongoing official role despite notable delegation changes.