Lavrov’s Diminishing Role in Moscow
Sergey Lavrov’s recent absence from a Security Council meeting and his removal as lead of Russia’s delegations to the G20 and ASEAN summits indicate a clear shift in Kremlin power. Previously central to Moscow’s foreign policy, Lavrov now seems sidelined as President Vladimir Putin tightens control over diplomatic decisions.
Changes in Diplomatic Leadership
For the first time in decades, Lavrov did not attend a Security Council session chaired by Putin — an absence officially called “coordinated.” His responsibilities were handed over to Maxim Oreshkin and Alexey Overchuk, both technocrats from the presidential administration, signaling more than a routine change.
The Kremlin’s Centralization of Influence
The Kremlin appears to be consolidating authority over international representation, reducing the foreign ministry’s independence in shaping foreign narratives.
Context Behind Lavrov’s Decline
Lavrov’s decline comes after the cancellation of a planned meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump in Budapest. Reports suggest a tense exchange between Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with a Russian memorandum on Ukraine seen in Washington as “maximalist,” caused frustration within the Kremlin.
“Some insiders now accuse Lavrov of mishandling the episode — or even undermining Putin’s diplomatic agenda.”
In Moscow’s power structure, mistakes have severe consequences. Once viewed as an unshakable figure, Lavrov now faces the same marginalization that preceded former Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's decline.
Author’s Summary
Lavrov’s sidelining reflects Putin’s move to centralize foreign policy control, diminishing the foreign ministry’s autonomy and reshaping Russia’s diplomatic leadership.
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