Former Russian defence minister Sergei Ivanov dies
A longtime Putin ally, he served as defense minister, Kremlin chief of staff and security council secretary before stepping down in February.
- On Friday, former Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov died at age 73, the Kremlin confirmed. The VTB United League and RIA Novosti reported the death without disclosure of cause.
- President Vladimir Putin appointed Ivanov, a fellow KGB veteran, as defense minister in 2001, where he oversaw the second war in Chechnya, crushing the region's separatist bid.
- In 2007, Ivanov lost an internal power struggle to Dmitry Medvedev regarding the presidential succession. He subsequently served as deputy prime minister and Kremlin chief of staff from 2007–2016.
- Before stepping down earlier this year, Ivanov served as a presidential representative for environmental affairs while facing U.S. and EU sanctions regarding Ukraine.
- Putin sent his condolences to the family of the longtime ally who remained a member of the Russian Security Council. Ivanov was among the most influential Russian officials of recent decades.
63 Articles
63 Articles
The former KGB agent in the West was a defining face in the Kremlin chief's environment for more than two decades. At the end, he found his real vocation as a conservationist.
He was born at the same time and in the same city as Vladimir Putin; he met him when they were both young KGB spies; he was part of the narrow circle that helped the Russian president take power; and he sounded like his successor throughout the first quarter century of puttinism. Agent and former Minister of Defense Sergei Ivanov passed away this Friday at the age of 73. The announcement has not been made by the Kremlin, the fate to which many l…
Longtime Putin Ally and Former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov Dies at 73
Sergei Ivanov, one of Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s oldest allies who spent over two decades in top government positions, died on June 26, 2026, at the age of 73, The Moscow Times reported on June 26. The VTB United League , where Ivanov served as honorary president, announced his death but gave no cause, though rumors state he was severely ill. Ivanov and Putin first met in the 1970s while working together for the KGB in Leningrad. When Puti…
Former Russian Defense Minister and close aide to President Vladimir Putin, Sergei Ivanov, has died. He was 73.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
