Putin’s “Secret Keeper” General Dies Suddenly After dismissal

MOSCOW, KOMPAS.com – Colonel General Yuri Sadovenko (56), known as “Secret Keeper” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, died unexpectedly on christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025.

The former Russian Deputy Defense Minister passed away in Moscow, less than a year after his removal from office.

Russian media reports indicate Sadovenko died from heart disease. However, his death has fueled speculation, as he reportedly showed no prior signs of illness.

Who Was Yuri Sadovenko, the “Secret Keeper?”

the Daily Beast reports Sadovenko served as Deputy Minister of Defense for over a decade.

He maintained a close relationship with former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Express reports Sadovenko earned the nickname “The Keeper of secrets” due to his knowledge of sensitive facts within the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Sadovenko’s tenure at the ministry ended in May 2024, when Putin initiated a significant overhaul of the Russian military.

His dismissal coincided with Shoigu’s removal, who now serves as secretary of Russia’s Security Council.

Beyond his professional life, Sadovenko was also involved in public scandals.

His ex-wife, Maria Kitaeva, left him for another deputy defense minister, Timur Ivanov.

Ivanov is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence after being convicted of embezzlement and money laundering in July 2025.