• Kremlin refutes rumors of a rift between Putin and Lavrov.
• Absence from key meetings raises questions about Lavrov's standing.
• Putin's choice of a deputy for G20 leads to speculation.
• Discussion on a potential summit with Trump was recently canceled.
• Foreign Ministry spokesperson claims reports are part of a hybrid war against Russia.

The Kremlin has dismissed speculation regarding Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov falling out of favor with President Vladimir Putin, particularly following the postponement of a summit with Donald Trump. Lavrov, a longstanding Soviet-era diplomat known for his strong negotiating style, was absent from a significant Kremlin meeting and will not attend the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, traditionally his role. These developments have ignited rumors about his position within the Kremlin, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov firmly rejected the notion that Lavrov is in trouble, stating, "I will give you a brief answer: there is nothing true in these reports." He reassured that Lavrov remains active in his role as Foreign Minister, dispelling any notions of a rift, echoing sentiments shared by Indiatimes and Channel News Asia.

The backdrop to this speculation includes Lavrov's recent discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding a potential summit in Budapest, intended to tackle peace negotiations over Ukraine. However, following a message from Lavrov's ministry asserting Russia's unwillingness to make concessions, reports indicated that Washington called off the planned meeting, as noted by Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova contended that the published articles fueling rift speculation serve to undermine Moscow and are part of broader attempts at psychological warfare. Such statements reflect a complicated diplomatic environment where Putin, while advocating for rapprochement with the West, faces internal and external pressures regarding his foreign policy stance, according to Indiatimes, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.