Lavrov

Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov (born 21 March 1950 in Moscow) is a Russian diplomat and politician who has served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation since 2004. He is among the longest-serving foreign ministers in Russia's post-Soviet period. His tenure has coincided with Russia pursuing a more assertive foreign policy, including involvement in Ukraine and Syria, and ongoing engagement with Western powers and other major actors.

Lavrov joined the Soviet Foreign Ministry in 1972 after graduating from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO). He held a range of diplomatic assignments, including work in international organizations and in Russia's mission to the United Nations. He served as Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 1994 to 2004, before his appointment as foreign minister by President Vladimir Putin in 2004.

As foreign minister, Lavrov has been a central figure in shaping Russia's diplomacy, emphasizing sovereignty and a multipolar international order. He has overseen negotiations on arms control and regional conflicts, and has led Russia's interactions with NATO, the European Union, and other major powers. His approach is characterized by direct rhetoric and a focus on safeguarding Russia's security concerns within international fora.