The absence of a key Kremlin figure from an important meeting and the G20 delegation has raised questions about his standing with President Vladimir Putin.
During Soviet times, Western analysts carefully studied footage from official events like Red Square military parades to assess the power dynamics within the Kremlin. They focused on proximity to the leader, body language, and the presence or absence of officials to gauge favor.
The current Kremlinologists are analyzing footage from a significant Security Council meeting held on Wednesday, where Putin instructed top officials to begin drafting plans for a potential nuclear weapons test. This meeting was critical, and attendance was expected from all permanent members.
Sergei Lavrov, Russia's seasoned foreign minister and a permanent member of the Security Council, was noticeably missing. This absence has fueled speculation about his possible fall from grace.
According to Kommersant, the Russian business daily, Lavrov's absence was "coordinated."
The situation adds tension to Russia’s diplomatic landscape, especially amid ongoing international challenges and Putin’s strategic decisions.
Author's summary: Sergei Lavrov’s coordinated absence from a critical Kremlin meeting signals a potential decline in his influence within Putin’s inner circle.