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 notable absence of Sergei Lavrov, Russia's long-serving foreign minister and permanent member of the Security Council, from a crucial Kremlin meeting has sparked rumors about his standing with President Vladimir Putin. Lavrov missed Wednesday's Security Council session where Putin instructed his team to prepare for a potential nuclear weapons test.

Significance of Lavrov's Absence

In Soviet times, analysts closely examined state events, such as military parades, to gauge shifts in Kremlin dynamics—observing who stood nearest the leader and interpreting body language. Similarly, today’s experts study the Security Council meeting footage for clues about the Russian leadership’s internal relations.

Sergei Lavrov's absence was striking, as a trusted aide would rarely miss such a pivotal discussion. Russian newspaper Kommersant reported that his absence was “coordinated,” implying it was intentional rather than accidental.

Context and Implications

Lavrov did not join the Russian delegation at the recent G20 summit, adding to speculation about his diminishing influence.
The Security Council meeting focused on drafting proposals for a potential nuclear test, a sensitive and critical topic unlikely to exclude senior officials.

“His absence was 'coordinated'.” – Kommersant

This development hints at a possible shift in Kremlin loyalties and suggests Lavrov’s position at the top table may be weakening.

Author's Summary

Sergei Lavrov’s deliberate absence from a key nuclear discussion signals possible fractures in his influence with Putin and reshuffles within the Kremlin's core.

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Sky News — 2025-11-07

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

Significance of Lavrov's Absence

Context and Implications

Author's Summary

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