Former Russian defence minister Sergei Ivanov, once seen as a possible successor to President Vladimir Putin, has died at the age of 73. Ivanov was a key member of the group known as the "siloviki" or "strongmen" who, like Putin, had risen through the ranks of the Soviet KGB security service and wielded huge influence after Putin took power at the turn of the millennium. His death, incongruously, was first announced by a basketball organisation – the VTB United League, where Ivanov was honorary president. It was later confirmed by the Kremlin.
In Memoriam
Sergei Ivanov
1953 – 2026 (aged 73)
Russian politician (1953–2026)