Sergei Ivanov, Russia's Ex-Defence Minister Once Seen As Putin's Likely Successor, Dies At 73

Last Updated:June 26, 2026, 23:03 IST

Sergei Ivanov, former Russian defence minister and close ally of President Vladimir Putin, has died at 73.

Sergei Ivanov, Russia’s former defence minister and one of President Vladimir Putin’s closest longtime allies, has died at the age of 73, the Kremlin announced on Friday.

The Kremlin did not disclose the cause of death but said President Putin had conveyed his condolences to Ivanov’s family.

Once Seen As Putin’s Likely Successor

A former KGB officer like Putin, Ivanov was appointed defence minister in 2001 and served until 2007. During his tenure, he oversaw Russia’s military campaign in Chechnya, which ended the region’s separatist insurgency.

When Putin was required to step down in 2008 due to constitutional term limits, Ivanov was widely regarded as a leading contender to succeed him. However, Putin instead chose Dmitry Medvedev as president while he assumed the role of prime minister before returning to the presidency in 2012.

Political observers at the time suggested Putin viewed Ivanov as too ambitious and feared he might not relinquish power once elected.

Held Several Senior Kremlin Posts

Despite missing out on the presidency, Ivanov remained one of Putin’s trusted associates. He served as deputy prime minister between 2007 and 2011 before becoming the Kremlin’s chief of staff, a position he held until 2016.

In 2016, he was appointed presidential envoy for environmental protection and transport, a largely ceremonial role that was widely seen as marking his gradual retirement from frontline politics. He stepped down from the post earlier this year.

Sanctioned Over Ukraine War

Following Russia’s military action in Ukraine, Ivanov was among several senior Russian officials sanctioned by the United States and the European Union.

His death marks the passing of one of the most influential figures in Putin’s inner circle and a key architect of Russia’s defence and security policies during the early years of Putin’s rule.

News world Sergei Ivanov, Russia's Ex-Defence Minister Once Seen As Putin's Likely Successor, Dies At 73

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