Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a farewell ceremony for former defence minister Sergei Ivanov at the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow [1].
The event marks the loss of a high-ranking official who was once considered a likely successor to the presidency. Ivanov's death removes a key figure from the inner circle of the Kremlin's established power structure.
Ivanov died on Friday, June 26, 2024 [2], at the age of 73 [1]. The state-organized farewell ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 27, 2024 [3]. During the proceedings, President Putin laid red roses on the coffin of the former minister, a traditional gesture of respect for a high-ranking state official.
Following the placement of the flowers, Putin spoke with the family of Ivanov. The former defence minister had maintained a long-standing professional and personal relationship with the president, serving in various critical roles within the Russian government over several decades.
The ceremony was held at the Central Clinical Hospital, a facility often used for the care and final arrangements of Russia's political elite [1]. Attendees observed the proceedings in a formal atmosphere, reflecting Ivanov's status as a former minister and a trusted ally of the current administration.
Ivanov's career was defined by his proximity to power and his influence over Russia's military and security apparatus. His death concludes the career of a man who helped shape the modern Russian state under Putin's leadership [2].
“President Putin laid red roses on the coffin of the former minister”
The death of Sergei Ivanov represents the passing of a member of the 'siloviki'—the security and military elite—who helped Vladimir Putin consolidate power. Because Ivanov was previously viewed as a potential successor, his death further narrows the circle of the original power brokers from the early 2000s, potentially shifting the internal dynamics of the Kremlin's succession planning.
