The Kremlin has issued a statement affirming that Sergei Lavrov remains actively engaged in his duties as Russia’s foreign minister, countering speculation fueled by certain Western media outlets suggesting a potential rift between Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin.

Lavrov, a seasoned diplomat known for his assertive approach to international negotiations, was notably absent from a significant Kremlin gathering last week, an event he would typically attend.

Furthermore, President Putin's decision to have someone else represent Russia at the recent G20 summit in South Africa—traditionally attended by Lavrov—has sparked rumors of his diminished influence within the government.

The Kremlin swiftly dismissed these claims over the weekend, attributing them to misinformation and emphasizing that efforts to arrange a meeting between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, which were put on hold last month, are part of ongoing diplomatic engagements.