Putin’s Right-Hand Man’s Absence Raises Questions
The notable absence of a senior diplomat from a crucial Kremlin meeting and the G20 delegation has sparked rumors about a possible fallout with President Vladimir Putin.
Symbolism in Kremlin Appearances
During the Soviet era, Western analysts regularly examined footage of state events, such as military parades on Red Square, to gauge the Kremlin’s power structure. They focused on proximity to the leader, body language, and which officials were favored or sidelined.
These methods remain relevant today as experts study video from Wednesday’s significant Security Council meeting. At this gathering, Vladimir Putin instructed top officials to begin drafting proposals for a potential nuclear weapons test — a meeting no loyal deputy would be expected to miss.
Sergei Lavrov's Notable Absence
However, Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s long-serving foreign minister and a permanent Security Council member, was noticeably missing. According to the Russian business newspaper Kommersant, his absence was “coordinated.”
“His absence was ‘coordinated’,” reported Kommersant.
Contextual Note
Lavrov’s absence from both the Kremlin meeting and the G20 delegation delegation fuels speculation about his standing within the leadership.
Related Incident
Separately, a British volunteer spy for Russia has recently been jailed, reflecting the ongoing tensions and espionage concerns in international relations.
Author’s summary: Sergei Lavrov’s deliberate absence from a critical Kremlin meeting signals possible shifts in his influence under President Putin, raising questions about Kremlin power dynamics.