Sergei Ivanov, former Russian Defense Minister and prominent Kremlin figure, dies at 73
Russia records the loss of a prominent figure on its political scene. Sergei Ivanov, former Minister of Defense and former head of the Kremlin administration, has passed away at the age of 73, as reported by the RIA Novosti news agency. His death ends a decades-long career dedicated to public service and the country’s national security.
Remarkable political career and role in government
Ivanov held a series of high-ranking positions in the Russian government structure throughout his career. He served as secretary of the Security Council during President Boris Yeltsin’s government, demonstrating his ability to move between different administrations and maintain his influence.
His rise continued with Vladimir Putin, being appointed Defense Minister in March 2001. Ivanov led the Defense portfolio until February 2007, when he assumed the role of Deputy Prime Minister, reinforcing his position as one of the architects of Russian security and defense policy. In 2016, Vladimir Putin excluded him from Russia’s Security Council, marking a transition in his role.
From intelligence to defense leadership
Born in Leningrad on January 31, 1953, Sergei Ivanov began his career in the intelligence services. In 1975, he joined the KGB, the Soviet Union’s main security agency. Between 1976 and 1977 he worked in the KGB Directorate for Leningrad and the Leningrad Region.
During this period, Ivanov worked in the same unit as the young Vladimir Putin, establishing a connection that would last throughout his life and which was fundamental to his subsequent political trajectory, culminating in his leadership of the Defense portfolio.
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The last years and voluntary resignation
In more recent years, Sergei Ivanov still maintained a strategic role. Since 2016, he held the post of Special Representative of the President of Russia for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport, focusing on sustainability and infrastructure issues. Before that, he was in charge of the President’s Office, a position he held for years.
On February 4, 2024, weeks before his death, Ivanov had voluntarily resigned from this last position, cementing the end of his official government responsibilities.
