Sergei Ivanov, Kremlin Power Broker and Former Defense Chief, Dies at 73

Ivanov’s career mirrored the rise of the siloviki, the elite bloc of security officials who consolidated power in the post-Soviet era. As defense minister, he oversaw the military effort during the second Chechen war and became a primary voice against NATO expansion, consistently framing the alliance's growth as a direct challenge to Russian security interests. His career trajectory was defined by his proximity to the presidency, often placing him at the center of discussions regarding potential successors to Putin.

Following his tenure as defense minister and deputy prime minister, Ivanov shifted toward specialized roles, eventually serving as a presidential envoy for environmental and transport issues. While he eventually receded from the front lines of high-stakes defense policy, his legacy remains etched into the structure of the state apparatus. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted his contributions to national defense, marking the end of a career that spanned the transition from the late Soviet period into the contemporary era.