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Sergey Ivanov, former Russian defense minister and presidential administration chief — once considered a possible successor to Putin

Sergei Ivanov, a former Russian defense minister and ally of Vladimir Putin, died on June 26, 2026. He previously served as the presidential administration chief and was once viewed as a likely successor to Putin. The VTB United League, where he was honorary president, announced his death.

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Sergei Ivanov has died at age 73.

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  1. Former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov Dies at 73

    Sergei Ivanov, a former Russian defense minister and ally of Vladimir Putin, died on June 26, 2026. He previously served as the presidential administration chief and was once viewed as a likely successor to Putin. The VTB United League, where he was honorary president, announced his death.

    What's confirmed:

    • Sergei Ivanov died on June 26, 2026, at the age of 73.
    • Ivanov served as the Russian Minister of Defense from March 2001 to February 2007.
    • He was a former presidential administration chief and a longtime ally of Vladimir Putin.
    • The VTB United League, where Ivanov served as honorary president, announced his death.
    • Ivanov was once considered a possible successor to Vladimir Putin.
    • He and Vladimir Putin were KGB colleagues in Leningrad during the 1970s.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Ivanov retired in February 2026 due to health problems.
    • Ivanov entered the UK as a trainee KGB spy during the Cold War.
    • The cause of death has not been disclosed.
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