Putin's right-hand man made him look weak - it may have cost him his seat at Kremlin's top table

Putin's Right-Hand Man Absent from Key Kremlin Meeting

The absence of Sergei Lavrov, Russia's long-serving foreign minister, from a crucial Kremlin Security Council meeting and the G20 delegation has sparked speculation about his standing with President Vladimir Putin. Lavrov, a heavyweight diplomat, was the only permanent council member missing from the session where Putin urged officials to prepare plans for a potential nuclear weapons test.

Historical Context of Kremlin Dynamics

During Soviet times, Western analysts carefully studied state event footage, such as military parades on Red Square, to gauge the Kremlin's power structure. Proximity to the leader, body language, and presence at key occasions indicated who was favored or sidelined. Today, Kremlin watchers use similar methods to read political shifts.

Significance of Lavrov's Absence

Lavrov's nonattendance at the Security Council meeting is unusual and has drawn particular attention since it was reportedly “coordinated”, according to the Russian business daily, Kommersant. This has fueled rumors that he may have lost Putin's confidence.

His absence was “coordinated.”

Broader Implications

This development raises questions about the future composition of Putin's inner circle and the influence of key figures in shaping Russia's security and foreign policy.

Additional Context

The Security Council meeting focused on drafting proposals related to nuclear weapons testing.
Lavrov's role as a trusted lieutenant would typically ensure his presence at such critical sessions.
His exclusion from the G20 delegation adds to the speculation about his political fate.

Author's Summary

The coordinated absence of Sergei Lavrov from pivotal Kremlin sessions hints at a possible decline in his influence within Putin's leadership circle.

Sky News — 2025-11-07