Sergei Ivanov, Putin’s Former Right-Hand Man, Dies at 73

Ivanov first gained prominence as a key member of the 'siloviki,' the group of former security and intelligence officials who rose to power alongside Putin. During his tenure as defense minister, he served as a primary strategist during the second Chechen war, overseeing the military campaign that defined the early years of the current Russian political order. His ability to navigate international diplomacy, aided by his fluency in English, made him a rare bridge between the Kremlin and Western counterparts during the mid-2000s.

Once viewed as a frontrunner to succeed Putin, his political trajectory eventually shifted away from the presidency. He transitioned through roles including Kremlin chief of staff before moving into a specialized mandate as a special envoy for environmental and transport concerns. His influence remained a constant, however, as he stayed one of the most recognizable faces of the state’s transition from the post-Soviet era to its modern geopolitical posture.