Two of Putin’s former close confidants have died under mysterious conditions. Yuri Sadovenko and Stanislav Orlov held significant roles until recently.
Dec 28, 2025, 05:34Dec 28, 2025, 05:34
Julian Seiferth / t-online
Two men close to Russian President Vladimir Putin have once again died under circumstances that are still unclear. Both previously held central roles in the political and military power apparatus.
Yuri Sadovenko (center) died on Christmas Day.Image: imago
As several Russian media reports, former Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Sadovenko died of heart disease on December 25th. There is no independent information about the 56-year-old’s condition before his death. Sadovenko was considered a close confidant of long-time Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who was deposed in May 2024 and later appointed secretary of the National Security Council. Both had worked closely together for years.
International media described Sadovenko as Putin’s “secret keeper” – alluding to his access to sensitive information within the Defense Ministry. In addition, Sadowenko is said to have recently been left by his wife – for Timur Ivanov, also a former deputy defense minister.
“The Spaniard” allegedly lured into an ambush
Shortly before, the death of Stanislaw Orlov had become known. According to reports in British and Russian media, the 44-year-old is said to have been the leader of a paramilitary volunteer unit made up of violent football supporters who fought in Ukraine. Orlov, also known by the nickname “the Spaniard,” was ambushed by security forces in Crimea and shot, according to the British newspaper “Guardian,” citing Russian sources. There is no official confirmation.
The deaths join a series of unexplained deaths among leaders in Russia that has increased since the war against Ukraine began in February 2022.
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