Sergei Lavrov (72) is one of the world’s most experienced foreign ministers, and has been President Vladimir Putin’s right hand man since 2004.
Lavrov, who has been described as “Moscow’s lying machine”, has in many ways become the face of the war. After Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, President Putin has withdrawn more and more, while Lavrov has increasingly defended the war and repeated Russian lies.
But after 18 years as the “Kremlin’s loyal watchdog”, there are now rumors that he has apparently had enough.
Several Western politicians claim that Lavrov recently wanted to step down as Russia’s foreign minister.
– There are some rumors that he wanted to resign a little while ago, but he was not allowed, says Finland’s former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb to Expressen.
The same is said by Carl Bildt, who has been both Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in Sweden.
– I hear that he is really tired of being the Kremlin’s watchdog, but he probably does not have much choice these days, he says.
Margot Wallström, who was Sweden’s foreign minister from 2014 to 2019, believes there is truth in the rumors.
– After one of my last meetings with him, we talked about that he was on his way out, she says to the newspaper.
Neither Lavrov, Putin nor the Kremlin have so far commented on the rumors.
LEAKED: In a leaked audio clip, we hear what is supposed to be a Russian soldier calling home from Ukraine. Video: Telegram. Reporter: Magnus Paus / Dagbladet TV view more
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– Not participating
Before the 72-year-old became foreign minister, he was Russia’s permanent UN representative for ten years.
But despite a brilliant diplomatic career, Russia expert Jakub M. Godzimirski does not believe Lavrov is involved in Putin’s key decisions.
Lavrov only fronts Putin’s policies, and he uses all the tools that a Russian foreign minister has, he has previously told Dagbladet.
Ilmari Käihkö, associate professor of military science at the Swedish National Defense College, makes no secret of the fact that the war may have cracked the relationship between Lavrov and Putin.
– It is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that will handle the situation externally, and as a consequence, Lavrov has become the face of Russian lies and propaganda. It is not a job you are directly jealous of, he says to Expressen.
UKRAINE WAR: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei with a clear message when he did an English interview on Russian TV on Friday 18 March. Video: AP. view more
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Reputation ruined
Lavrov has for many years had a relatively good relationship with his western colleagues. However, the war has probably destroyed the 72-year-old’s relationship with – and reputation in – the West, Godzimirski believes.
He believes that the Foreign Minister – who was previously considered a man with a lot of knowledge and a good appearance – has now left a completely different impression.
– When people constantly lie, and present a very distorted picture of reality as a justification for Russia’s actions, then the credibility is ruined.
However, it is not only during the Ukraine war that Lavrov has been accused of lying. This also applies to other situations where Russia has committed crimes, including in Syria.
