Putin's Right-Hand Man Absent from Key Kremlin Meeting
The notable absence of Sergei Lavrov, Russia's experienced foreign minister, from an important Kremlin Security Council meeting and the G20 delegation has sparked rumors that he may have lost favor with President Vladimir Putin.
Historical Context of Kremlin Observations
During Soviet times, Western analysts carefully examined videos of official events, such as military parades on Red Square, to decipher the Kremlin’s power dynamics. They observed who stood closest to the leader, interpreted body language, and identified favored or sidelined officials.
Continuity in Kremlin Scrutiny
Today, analysts continue this tradition by studying footage of recent Kremlin sessions. Recently, much attention has been given to the Security Council meeting where President Putin instructed senior officials to begin drafting proposals for a potential nuclear weapons test.
Lavrov’s Notable Absence
Sergei Lavrov was the only permanent member of the Security Council to be missing from the meeting, an absence described by Russian business daily Kommersant as "coordinated."
His absence was "coordinated".
Implications
Lavrov’s omission from both this critical session and the G20 delegation feeds speculation about a shift in his standing within the Kremlin’s inner circle.
Additional Related News
A British individual who volunteered as a spy for Russia was recently sentenced to jail, highlighting ongoing espionage concerns linked to Russia.
Briton who volunteered as spy for Russia jailed.
Author’s Summary
The unexpected absence of Sergei Lavrov from a pivotal Kremlin meeting signals possible realignment within Putin’s top leadership circle amid rising geopolitical tensions.