re: lavrov not accompanying putin. so much is speculation, but, i wonder if lavrov’s decision (& i believe it would’ve been his choice) may’ve been primarily pragmatic. simple good office management. possibly part of the russian slow to saddle thing.
lavrov has been doing a tremendous amount of the heavy lifting. undoubtedly he has mentored more than one deputy, it seems probable there is a select core trained by him (frightening to consider how smart & wise they must be). & with world events moving from the possibility of full on war to one of inevitability, it’s sensible to begin to broaden the core of foreign deputies capable of navigating a relatively safe regional front. in order to ensure seamlessness.
a presidential diplomatic visit to an ally is sound testing ground—a challenge, no question, lots of intrigue & behind the curtain distractions to monitor, participate in, a degree of risk, but not life threatening. obviously, india is nowhere near as smooth as a visit to china…yet it’s @ least superficially secure, therefore, a very good grounding for one or more diplomats being groomed. not as replacements, nor stand ins, but to be brought safely & in good time up to speed. the inescapable fact remains that there will be much left only to lavrov & putin.
