The Guardian: Putin Annoyed By Lavrov's Tone In Talks

• 10.11.2025, 20:45

The Russian foreign minister made overly harsh demands in his conversation with Rubio.

Despite media speculation, there is no indication that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has "fallen into disgrace" with Vladimir Putin. But he really did not handle his conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio well, writes The Guardian, citing a Russian official who previously held a senior post in the Kremlin.

The journalists' source says Putin is unlikely to fire Lavrov, as he has served him faithfully for decades, and his absence from public events does not indicate that he has lost the Kremlin chief's favor. However, the Russian Foreign Minister did ruin his conversation with Rubio with a "diplomatic mess."

According to the publication's interlocutor, Lavrov made an uncompromising set of demands during the conversation in order to appear patriotic in the eyes of the Kremlin. However, this stance ultimately proved counterproductive.

"The source added that Putin had previously expressed irritation with Lavrov's increasingly confrontational tone and his diminishing ability to demonstrate diplomatic skill," the piece said.

It is noted that the summit in Budapest, which was canceled after Lavrov and Rubio spoke, would have given Putin another opportunity to press his case to the US president, who has in the past leaned toward Moscow's position on Ukraine after meeting with the Kremlin chief. Holding the meeting would also be a significant symbolic victory for Putin, emphasizing his ability to travel freely in Europe despite efforts to isolate him.

"Putin wanted a meeting in Budapest and Lavrov's role was not to interfere," the journalists' source said.