Lavrov’s diplomatic failure: expert explains why it is important for Putin to meet with Trump

In his blog, expert Alexander Musienko expressed his thoughts on the latest developments in Russian political life, noting that President Putin seems to have changed his position on Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. According to information published by the opposition newspaper The Moscow Times, Lavrov has lost Putin’s support, as the latter blamed him for the failure of the planned meeting with Donald Trump in Budapest, which underlines the importance of such a summit for Moscow.

The expert notes that after this incident, Lavrov was replaced at the G20 summit in South Africa, with the deputy head of the presidential administration appointed to this position. However, after the failure in Budapest, Lavrov readily agreed to meet with Senator Mark Rubio to discuss the restoration of bilateral relations and the conflict in Ukraine.

The key point Musienko makes is that the idea for the meeting came from Lavrov, indicating Russia’s attempt to maintain contacts with the United States. Also important is Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to Washington, where he supported the idea of a meeting between Trump and Putin.

According to the expert, this indicates that Putin continues to seek negotiations with Trump, as he is actively seeking opportunities to avoid international isolation. Lavrov’s interview may be a step that will remind Trump of the possibility of a meeting in Budapest through Orban. However, whether this will lead to improved contacts between Lavrov and Rubio and, subsequently, to a meeting between Trump and Putin, only time and the US State Department’s reaction will tell.