Kremlin Denies Rift Between Putin and Lavrov Over Trump Meeting
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed reports suggesting a fallout between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding the cancellation of a planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Hungary.
Cancellation of Trump-Putin Summit
The proposed Trump-Putin summit was canceled after a preparatory phone call between Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that progress toward peace in Ukraine was unlikely. The White House had insisted on a ceasefire, which Moscow rejected.
Trump, who aims to mediate peace in Ukraine, previously met Putin in August in Alaska. Despite these efforts, Russia has intensified its military actions in Ukraine, causing frustration for Trump.
U.S. Strategy and Diplomatic Efforts
The U.S. president seeks to end the conflict through economic pressure—such as sanctions and secondary tariffs—and diplomatic talks with Moscow. The Budapest meeting was seen as a critical opportunity for progress.
Kremlin's Official Statement
“There is nothing true in these reports,” Peskov said, according to the state news agency TASS. “Of course, Lavrov continues to serve as foreign minister.”
Lavrov's Absence from Security Council Meeting
Lavrov was absent from a recent in-person meeting of the Security Council’s permanent members, where Putin requested a report on preparations for nuclear testing if needed. An unnamed source told the Russian newspaper Kommersant that Lavrov agreed to skip the meeting despite being a permanent member of the council.
Author’s summary: The Kremlin denies any conflict between Putin and Lavrov over a canceled Trump meeting, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic efforts amid Ukraine tensions.