What's happened
As of November 9, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov faces speculation about his standing after the U.S. canceled a planned summit with Russia following a tense call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Lavrov was absent from key Kremlin meetings and replaced at the upcoming G20 summit, though Kremlin officials deny he has been sidelined. Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly enhancing Venezuela's air defenses amid rising U.S. tensions in the Caribbean.
What's behind the headline?
Lavrov's Diplomatic Standing Under Scrutiny
The recent diplomatic turbulence between Russia and the U.S. has spotlighted Sergei Lavrov's role. His absence from the November 5 Security Council meeting, where Putin ordered nuclear test proposals, and his replacement at the G20 summit signal a potential sidelining. Kremlin denials contrast with reports of internal dissatisfaction, suggesting a rift between Lavrov's uncompromising style and Putin's strategic aims.
The Impact of the U.S.-Russia Summit Cancellation
The canceled summit, reportedly due to Lavrov's rigid stance during a call with Rubio, has strained relations and exposed fissures within Russian leadership. Putin's preference for controlled diplomacy clashes with Lavrov's blunt approach, risking Russia's international posture and internal cohesion.
Russia's Military Outreach to Venezuela
Amid these diplomatic challenges, Russia is bolstering Venezuela's air defenses with advanced systems like the Pantsir-S1 and Buk-M2E, signaling a strategic pivot to strengthen alliances in the Western Hemisphere. This move counters U.S. military presence and narcoterrorism accusations against Maduro, escalating regional tensions.
Forecast and Consequences
Lavrov's potential sidelining will reshape Russian foreign policy execution, possibly leading to more pragmatic diplomacy under Putin's tighter control. Russia's military support to Venezuela will likely provoke further U.S. responses, intensifying geopolitical competition in the Americas. These developments underscore a complex interplay of diplomacy and military strategy shaping global alignments.
What the papers say
Reuters reports Kremlin dismissing claims that Lavrov has fallen out of favor, quoting Lavrov's own words on maintaining communication with U.S. officials despite tensions. The Moscow Times provides a detailed account of Lavrov's absence from key meetings and replacement at the G20, citing sources that suggest he is "tired" and has lost Putin's favor, though Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denies any change in Lavrov's status. Sky News' Ivor Bennett offers a nuanced analysis of Lavrov's diplomatic style and its possible consequences, highlighting the significance of his absence from the Security Council meeting and the canceled summit with the U.S. Politico echoes Kremlin denials but acknowledges the sidelining rumors. Meanwhile, Business Insider UK reveals Russia's recent delivery of advanced air defense systems to Venezuela, including the Pantsir-S1, and hints at possible future shipments of offensive missiles, framing this within escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions. These sources collectively paint a picture of internal Kremlin dynamics and Russia's strategic military outreach, providing readers with contrasting perspectives and detailed context.
How we got here
Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister since 2004, has been a key figure in Kremlin diplomacy, especially regarding Ukraine. Recent diplomatic setbacks, including the canceled U.S.-Russia summit and Lavrov's absence from important meetings, have fueled rumors of his diminished influence. Concurrently, Russia's military support to Venezuela is growing amid escalating U.S. regional pressure.
Go deeper
- Why was the U.S.-Russia summit canceled?
- What does Lavrov's absence from key meetings signify?
- How is Russia's military support to Venezuela affecting U.S.-Russia relations?
Common question
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Why is Lavrov sidelined from Russia's diplomatic efforts?
Recent reports suggest that Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has been sidelined amid diplomatic tensions and internal shifts within the Kremlin. This has raised questions about his current role and influence in Russia's foreign policy. What does this mean for Russia's international relations, and could this signal a broader change in Russia's diplomatic approach? Below, we explore the key questions and what they might mean for global diplomacy.
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What’s the Big Picture in Today’s Global News?
With so many major stories unfolding worldwide, it’s natural to wonder how they connect and what they mean for the future. From diplomatic shifts to humanitarian crises, understanding the bigger picture helps us make sense of today’s headlines. Below, we explore key questions about the latest international developments and what to watch for next.
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Why is Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov's Role Being Questioned Now?
Recent developments suggest a shift in Russia's diplomatic landscape, with questions arising about Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's influence and standing. As tensions with the US escalate and Russia strengthens military ties elsewhere, many wonder what this means for Russia's foreign policy and internal politics. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Lavrov's current position and Russia's broader strategic moves.
More on these topics
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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Dmitry Sergeyevich Peskov is a Russian diplomat, translator and Turkologist. Since 2012, Peskov has been the Press Secretary for the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
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Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov is a Russian diplomat and politician. In office since 2004, he is the Foreign Minister of Russia. Previously, he was the Russian Representative to the UN, serving in the role from 1994 to 2004.