Russian President Vladimir Putin has continued to distance himself from his longtime associate Sergei Ivanov, a significant player within his administration. After being dismissed from his position as a special representative managing environmental, ecological, and transportation issues earlier this February, Ivanov has now lost his seat on the Russian Security Council, a role he has held for many years. Official statements suggested that Ivanov had requested his resignation, indicating a possible voluntary exit from Putin’s inner circle.

At 73, Ivanov has been one of Putin's closest allies since their days together in Leningrad's KGB. His career has seen him rise through various high-ranking government positions, and for a time, he was considered a potential successor to Putin. However, in 2008, he was eclipsed by Dmitry Medvedev, who was perceived as more loyal and manageable by the president, which indicates Putin's shifting trust and allegiance within his circle.

The implications of Ivanov's ousting could reflect broader shifts in power dynamics within the Kremlin as Putin navigates the complexities of governance amid international pressures. The move may raise eyebrows among political analysts who view this as a consolidation of power, possibly hinting at the emergence of new alliances or even the deepening of rivalries within Putin's cadre as they deal with domestic and foreign challenges.