Kremlin Denies Rift Between Putin and Lavrov Over Trump Meeting
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a disagreement about canceling a planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Hungary.
Cancellation of Trump-Putin Summit
The summit was called off following a preparatory call between Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which indicated little chance for progress on peace in Ukraine and no ceasefire, as requested by the White House.
"There is nothing true in these reports,” Peskov stated, according to the state news agency TASS. “Of course, Lavrov continues to serve as foreign minister.”
Context of the Ukraine Conflict
- Trump met with Putin in August in Alaska while trying to broker peace in Ukraine.
- Despite this, Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukraine, frustrating Trump’s efforts.
- The U.S. President seeks to end the war using economic sanctions and diplomatic efforts.
- The Budapest meeting was viewed as a potentially crucial diplomatic opportunity.
Lavrov's Absence from Security Council Meeting
This week, Lavrov did not attend an in-person Security Council meeting, where Putin ordered preparation for nuclear tests if necessary.
An anonymous source told Kommersant that Lavrov agreed to be absent despite being a permanent council member.
Author's Summary
The Kremlin refutes claims of a dispute between Putin and Lavrov over the halted Trump meeting amid ongoing tensions and conflict in Ukraine.