On September 8, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said in an interview with the Russian program "Sama Menshova" that if "friend" is understood as someone with whom one shares mutual trust, supports each other, and works together, then he and Russian President Putin can be considered friends.

Lavrov stated that he has served as Russia's foreign minister for 22 years. During this period, he and Putin have gradually become a united "team" working side by side. Lavrov emphasized: "We are a team, doing the same thing, and the Russian people trust us. This trust also means we bear corresponding responsibilities." (RT)

In this rare public discussion of his personal relationship with Putin, Lavrov stressed that the two are "a team"—a statement carrying multiple layers of significance amid the current complex international situation and domestic political environment in Russia.

Lavrov’s prominent remarks clearly carry a tone of "denial" and "reassurance." In recent years, external speculation has frequently suggested that Lavrov had fallen out with Putin due to his performance in the Ukraine conflict or diplomatic setbacks, even spreading rumors that he was "absent from key meetings," facing political purges, or about to resign. By emphasizing "trust" and "support," Lavrov directly addresses these rumors. Indeed, Russian officials—including Kremlin spokesperson Peskov—have previously repeatedly denied tensions between the two, making Lavrov’s statement a perfect alignment with the official narrative aimed at maintaining stability.

By redefining "friend" as "someone who trusts each other, supports each other, and works together," Lavrov offers a precise interpretation of Russia’s elite political logic. His assertion that he is part of "a team" indicates not only policy alignment with Putin on foreign affairs but also deep ideological compatibility. This two-decade-long "absolute loyalty" forms the foundation of his enduring position as foreign minister and his role as a key figure in preserving systemic stability. As the highest representative of Russia’s foreign policy apparatus, Lavrov conveys through his emphasis on team consensus a clear signal both domestically and internationally: the top leadership remains united, and the country’s diplomatic direction will not shift.

Lavrov’s status as Putin’s most reliable “friend” and team member is further rooted in his unique political profile. As a career diplomat, he has long specialized in international power struggles and holds no entrenched domestic factional interests. At 76 years old, his combination of advanced age, lack of factional ties, and unwavering loyalty makes him the safest "ballast" in Putin’s eyes.

Lavrov’s remarks may appear to be a sentimental reflection from a seasoned diplomat, but they are, in fact, a highly rational political declaration. They serve not only as a strong rebuttal to false rumors but also reaffirm the internal power dynamics within the Kremlin. For the foreseeable future, as long as Russia’s national strategy does not undergo a fundamental shift, Lavrov’s “team” relationship with Putin and his role as a stabilizing force in Russian politics are unlikely to change easily.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875767657779396/

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