Sergei Ivanov, Ex-Russian Defence Minister and Key Putin Ally, Dies at 73

Former Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov , one of President Vladimir Putin's closest allies and once regarded as a potential successor to the Russian leader, has died at the age of 73 , the Kremlin announced on Friday.

The Kremlin confirmed Ivanov's death without disclosing the cause. President Putin extended his condolences to Ivanov's family, paying tribute to a longtime associate who played a key role in Russia's political and security establishment .

A fellow veteran of the Soviet-era KGB , Ivanov was appointed defence minister by Putin in 2001 . During his tenure, which lasted until 2007 , he oversaw Russia's military operations in the second Chechen war , a campaign that cemented Moscow's control over the separatist region.

Ivanov emerged as one of the most influential figures in the Kremlin during Putin's first two presidential terms. When Putin stepped down in 2008 due to constitutional term limits, Ivanov was widely viewed as a leading contender to succeed him . However, Putin instead nominated longtime ally Dmitry Medvedev for the presidency while assuming the role of prime minister, before returning to the presidency in 2012 .

Political observers had suggested that Ivanov's perceived ambition may have contributed to his being overlooked for the country's top office, although the Kremlin never commented on such speculation.

Despite missing out on the presidency, Ivanov remained a prominent figure in the Russian government. He served as deputy prime minister from 2007 to 2011 before becoming the Kremlin's chief of staff , a position he held until 2016 .

In 2016 , Ivanov was appointed presidential envoy for environment protection and transport , a role widely viewed as largely ceremonial and marking his gradual departure from frontline politics. He stepped down from the post earlier this year.

Ivanov was among several senior Russian officials sanctioned by the United States and the European Union in response to Moscow's military actions in Ukraine , reflecting his longstanding association with Russia's leadership.

His death marks the passing of one of the most influential members of Putin's inner circle and a political figure who helped shape Russia's defence and security policies during a pivotal period in the country's modern history.