Social media accounts have posted a video showing Russian President Vladimir Putin honoring his Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, claiming it was because the latter had converted to Islam. The video was accompanied by the following caption: “Putin honors Lavrov after he recited the Shahada and converted to Islam.”
Kashif verified the video via Google Images search and found it to be old and the claim misleading. It was first circulated in May 2025 and was credited with honoring Lavrov for his role in Russian foreign policy.
Al Jazeera Mubasher posted the video on its TikTok account on 22 May 2025, with the following description: “Russian President Vladimir Putin awards Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov the Order of Saint Andrew, Russia’s highest award, in recognition of his services to Russian foreign policy.”
Roya News posted the video on Instagram on the same date, 22 May 2025, stating that it shows Putin awarding Lavrov Russia’s highest award in recognition of his role in foreign policy.
Kashif also searched various media outlets and found no information about Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announcing his conversion to Islam.
Russian network RT reported that the Order of St. Andrew is considered Russia’s highest award, and is awarded for “exceptional achievements in service to the state at various levels.” The network added that President Putin issued a decree honoring Lavrov on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
| Sources of Claim | Sources of Verification |
| Ahmed Al Iraqi Al Fajr Madinaty Nasser Alahmed Athir Risan Kazim Khamis Mubarak Alnaimi M . Yazid bin Mansour | Al Jazeera Mubasher Roya News various media outlets the Russian RT network |
