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's Absence Sparks Kremlin Speculation

The unexpected absence of Sergei Lavrov, Russia's veteran foreign minister, from a critical Kremlin Security Council meeting and the G20 delegation has stirred rumors about his standing with President Vladimir Putin.

Historical Context of Kremlin Observations

During Soviet times, Western analysts closely examined footage of state events, such as military parades on Red Square, to interpret Kremlin power dynamics. The proximity of officials to the leader, their body language, and participation signaled who was in favor or falling out of grace.

Current Kremlin Dynamics and Security Council Meeting

Present-day Kremlin watchers are analyzing video from Wednesday's pivotal Security Council session, where Putin instructed top officials to draft proposals for a potential nuclear weapons test. It was a meeting not likely to be skipped by a key ally.

Sergei Lavrov, the only permanent member of the Security Council absent from the meeting, was noticeably missing.

Reports from the Russian business daily Kommersant indicate that Lavrov's absence was coordinated, suggesting a deliberate decision rather than a chance omission.

Additional Notes

Related Incident

Separately, a Briton who volunteered as a spy for Russia has been jailed, highlighting ongoing espionage tensions.

— Ivor Bennett, Moscow correspondent, 7 November 2025

Author's summary: Sergei Lavrov's deliberate absence from key meetings signals a possible decline in his influence within Putin's inner circle amid sensitive national security discussions.

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Sky News Sky News — 2025-11-07

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