Sergey Ivanov, Former Russian Defense Minister and Putin Ally, Dies at 73

Sergey Ivanov, a longtime senior figure in Russia's government and close associate of President Vladimir Putin, has died at the age of 73. The VTB United League, where he served as honorary president, announced his death on June 26, 2026. The cause of death was not disclosed. Born in January 1953 in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, Ivanov was educated at Leningrad University and served in the Soviet KGB alongside Putin before his government career.

Ivanov held numerous high-ranking positions throughout his career in Russian government. He served as defense minister beginning in 2001, first deputy prime minister, presidential administration chief from 2011 to 2016, and security council secretary. During Putin's second presidential term, he was occasionally mentioned as a potential successor to the president. In August 2016, he stepped down as head of the presidential administration and was subsequently appointed as a special representative on environmental and transport issues.

In February 2026, Ivanov was removed from his position as special presidential representative, reportedly at his own request. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Ivanov had voluntarily tendered his resignation, with his age cited as a contributing factor. Putin conveyed his condolences to Ivanov's family and friends following his death. Ivanov also made several official visits to Russian-controlled territories in the Far East, including the disputed Northern Territories, which prompted protests from the Japanese government. The basketball league credited him with playing a key role in the VTB United League's formation and development, helping establish it as a major Russian sports initiative.