Putin's Right-Hand Man’s Absence Sparks Speculation
The absence of a key Kremlin diplomat from a crucial Security Council meeting and the G20 delegation has fueled rumors that he may have lost President Vladimir Putin's favor.
Analyzing Kremlin Hierarchy through Body Language
Historically, Western analysts closely examined footage of Soviet state events, such as military parades in Red Square, to understand shifts in Kremlin power dynamics. Observers looked for who stood closest to the leader, subtle body language cues, and which officials had gained or lost influence.
Modern Kremlinology and a Missed Security Council Meeting
Today, Kremlin watchers study the recent Security Council gathering held Wednesday, where President Putin instructed top officials to prepare proposals for a potential nuclear weapons test—an event unlikely to be missed by a trusted aide.
Yet, Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s experienced foreign minister and the only permanent Security Council member absent, was not present. The Russian daily Kommersant reported that his absence was “coordinated.”
The heavyweight diplomat's absence from a key Kremlin meeting and the G20 delegation has fuelled speculation that he has fallen out of favour with President Vladimir Putin.
Background
- Security Council meeting focused on drafting nuclear test proposals.
- Lavrov, a veteran diplomat, missed the meeting and the G20 delegation.
- Such absences are rare and often suggest political shifts within the Kremlin elite.
Additional Context
These observations echo Cold War-era tactics, where symbolic gestures and presence at official events revealed the political standing of Soviet officials.
Related News
Separately, a British individual who volunteered as a spy for Russia was recently imprisoned, highlighting ongoing espionage tensions.
Author's Summary: Sergei Lavrov’s unusual absence from critical Kremlin meetings hints at a possible decline in his political standing with President Putin, reflecting ongoing power shifts within Russia's leadership.
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