Sergei Ivanov, Former Russian Defense Minister and Putin Successor Hopeful, Dies at 73

Sergei Ivanov, a prominent figure in Russian politics and a former defense minister once viewed as a likely successor to President Vladimir Putin, has died at the age of 73.

The Kremlin announced Ivanov's passing on Friday, without specifying the cause of death or providing additional information. President Putin expressed his condolences to Ivanov's family. The two leaders shared a long history, having known each other since the 1970s when they both worked as KGB officers in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg.

Ivanov held significant positions throughout his career. He served as Secretary of Russia's Security Council when Putin first took office in 2000 and was appointed defense minister in 2001, a role he held until 2007. During his tenure, he oversaw the second Chechen war. When Putin stepped down due to term limits in 2008, Ivanov was widely considered a frontrunner to succeed him, but Putin ultimately chose Dmitry Medvedev.

Some analysts suggested Putin may have bypassed Ivanov due to concerns about his ambition. Ivanov continued to serve in high-ranking roles, including deputy prime minister (2007-2011) and Kremlin chief of staff (2011-2016). In 2016, he was appointed a presidential envoy for environmental protection and transport, a position seen as largely ceremonial.

Ivanov, along with other Russian officials, was subjected to sanctions by the United States and the European Union in response to Russia's military operations in Ukraine. He retired earlier this year.