Putin's Right-Hand Man's Absence Sparks Speculation
The notable absence of Sergei Lavrov, Russia's long-serving foreign minister and a key Kremlin figure, from a crucial Security Council meeting and the G20 delegation has stirred rumors about his standing with President Vladimir Putin.
Historical Context of Kremlin Observations
During Soviet times, Western analysts closely examined state event footage, such as military parades on Red Square, to decipher Kremlin hierarchies. They focused on officials' positions near the leader, their body language, and who was favored or sidelined.
Recent Security Council Meeting
Similar scrutiny is now applied to the footage of the Security Council session held on Wednesday. There, Putin instructed his top officials to prepare proposals for a potential nuclear weapons test—a meeting no trusted senior official would typically miss.
“Sergei Lavrov, Russia's veteran foreign minister, was conspicuously absent—the only permanent member of the Council not present.”
According to Kommersant, a prominent Russian business daily, Lavrov's absence was “coordinated.”
Implications of Lavrov's Absence
This event has led observers to speculate that Lavrov may have fallen from favor in the Kremlin's inner circle, potentially costing him his influential position among Russia's top policymakers.
Additional Note
In a related development, a British individual who volunteered as a spy for Russia has been sentenced to prison.
Author's summary: Sergei Lavrov's notable absence at a critical Kremlin meeting hints at a possible decline in his influence, signaling shifts within Putin's inner circle.