The Kremlin has rejected speculation regarding a potential rift between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin. This follows a series of developments surrounding the cancellation of a planned summit between Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Reports emerged last month that attempts to organize a meeting in Budapest had been halted, leading to questions about Lavrov’s standing within the Russian government. Notably, Lavrov, a seasoned diplomat with over two decades in his role, was absent from a significant Kremlin meeting this week, a gathering he would typically attend. Furthermore, Putin designated another official to represent Russia at the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa, a role traditionally filled by Lavrov.
For two consecutive weeks, the Russian Foreign Ministry has not provided information regarding Lavrov’s travel plans or speaking engagements. These factors have fueled speculation that he may have lost favor with Putin.
When confronted about Lavrov’s situation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov firmly dismissed the rumors. “I will give you a brief answer: there is nothing true in these reports,” Peskov stated during a press briefing. He further confirmed Lavrov’s ongoing role, stating, “Absolutely. Lavrov is working as foreign minister, of course.”
Adding to the context, Lavrov had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 20, 2023, to discuss the potential summit. This dialogue occurred shortly after Trump announced the meeting following his own call with Putin. However, Trump later expressed reluctance to proceed with the summit, characterizing the meeting as potentially “a waste of time.” He ultimately announced the cancellation, stating that it “just didn’t feel right.”
While Trump has sought a thaw in relations with Moscow, having previously met with Putin in Alaska in August, his administration has called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, insisting that both sides maintain their current positions. In contrast, Russia has indicated a desire for Ukraine to concede more territory.
According to reports from Reuters and other media outlets, Washington decided to call off the summit after Lavrov’s ministry communicated that Moscow would not compromise on its hardline stance regarding Ukraine. The Financial Times cited a source suggesting that Lavrov’s conversation with Rubio may have dissuaded Washington from proceeding with the summit. The source remarked, “Lavrov is clearly tired and seems to think he has better things to do than engage with the US, whatever Putin may want.”
In response to the unfolding speculation, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova implied that the Financial Times article was intended to incite unhelpful speculation. She described it as part of a “hybrid war” against Russia, emphasizing the ongoing challenges the country faces on the global stage.
Putin has consistently articulated that improving relations with Washington is vital for Russia’s national interests and global security, particularly given the nuclear capabilities of both nations. The Kremlin’s efforts to dismiss speculation about Lavrov’s position may be an attempt to maintain a united front amid these geopolitical complexities.
