Kremlin responds to claims of Putin-Lavrov spat over Trump

Kremlin Responds to Claims of Putin-Lavrov Spat Over Trump

The Kremlin has denied reports suggesting a rift between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov following the cancellation of a proposed meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Hungary.

The planned Trump-Putin summit was called off after a preparatory conversation between Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that significant progress toward peace in Ukraine was unlikely, and the White House’s ceasefire expectations would not be met.

President Trump, seeking to negotiate an end to the Ukrainian conflict, previously met with Putin in Alaska in August. Despite these efforts, Russia has not only maintained but also intensified its operations in Ukraine, causing frustration within Washington. The Budapest meeting was expected to play a strategic role in Trump’s broader pursuit of peace through diplomatic engagement coupled with economic sanctions and secondary tariffs.

“There is nothing true in these reports,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, according to TASS. “Of course, Lavrov continues to serve as foreign minister.”

This week, Lavrov did not attend a Security Council meeting of permanent members where Putin requested a report on nuclear test preparations should the U.S. proceed with similar actions. According to Kommersant, Lavrov had agreed in advance to miss the session despite his standing on the council.

Author’s Summary

The Kremlin dismissed claims of internal conflict, reaffirming close coordination between Putin and Lavrov after the cancellation of the Trump meeting in Hungary.

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Newsweek Newsweek — 2025-11-07

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