Lavrov Sidelined in Moscow?
Sergey Lavrov’s absence from the recent Security Council meeting and his removal as head of Russia’s delegations to the G20 and ASEAN summits signal a clear shift in the Kremlin’s power structure. Once a central figure in shaping Moscow’s foreign policy, Lavrov now seems marginalized as President Vladimir Putin strengthens his personal control over diplomatic decisions.
Unprecedented Absence and Transfer of Duties
For the first time in decades, Lavrov did not attend a Security Council session chaired by Putin, an absence officially described as a “coordinated” decision. However, the simultaneous delegation of his responsibilities to Maxim Oreshkin and Alexey Overchuk—both technocrats from the presidential administration—indicates a move beyond normal rotation.
Kremlin’s Tightening Control
The Kremlin appears to be centralizing international representation, limiting the foreign ministry’s autonomy in crafting foreign narratives. This realignment reduces Lavrov’s influence and signals a broader consolidation of power within the presidential administration.
Context of the Fall
Lavrov’s decline follows the cancellation of a planned meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump in Budapest. Reports suggest that a tense exchange between Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside a Russian memorandum on Ukraine viewed in Washington as “maximalist,” caused frustration in the Kremlin.
“A tense exchange between Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside a Russian memorandum on Ukraine perceived in Washington as ‘maximalist,’ triggered frustration within the Kremlin.”
Some insiders accuse Lavrov of mishandling the situation or even undermining Putin’s diplomatic strategy. In Moscow’s political hierarchy, such failures rarely go unpunished.
The Fate of a Once-Unshakable Figure
Lavrov, long perceived as a resilient figure, now faces isolation similar to the one that preceded the fall of former Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, marking a potential turning point in Kremlin politics.
Author’s summary: Sergey Lavrov is increasingly sidelined as Putin consolidates diplomatic power, marking a significant shift in Moscow’s foreign policy leadership.