Conflict in Putin’s Administration over Defense Minister

A toxic conflict has emerged within Putin’s administration following the public humiliation of the Defense Minister labeled as a ‘traitor’ by Putin himself. Timur Ivanov, the Deputy Defense Minister of Russia, aged 48, has been leading the ministry during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, yet he now faces allegations of betraying Vladimir Putin.
A toxic conflict has erupted within the Putin’s administration following the arrest of the dictator’s deputy defense minister on suspicion of corruption and potentially treason.
Timur Ivanov, aged 48, serves as the right-hand man to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, overseeing military operations against Ukraine. The affluent minister, known for his affinity for extravagant women and lavish gatherings, made an appearance in court today dressed in military attire, facing allegations of accepting a bribe.
However, a news source has made a shocking claim that Vladimir Putin has been swayed by undisclosed briefings indicating that Ivanov may have committed treason – suggesting that this may be the true motive behind his arrest.
“The bribery accusation is merely for public consumption. The authorities are hesitant to address the issue of treason publicly as it would spark a major scandal, especially considering Ivanov’s high-ranking position as the Deputy Minister of Defense,” a source informed Important Stories news outlet.

Ivanov’s wife Svetlana Maniovich (Image: pevchikh/Twitter)
The security source revealed that Ivanov was not detained for corruption as everyone in the Kremlin was already aware of the situation. Putin only gave the command after successfully convincing them that the issue was related to treason.
Ivanov the man of the conflict in Putin’s administration was then ordered to change into civilian clothes in a humiliating manner after his court appearance at Basmanny district court in Moscow. He was taken away for two months of pre-trial detention pending an FSB probe into alleged corruption. An FSB officer was seen holding and pushing him by the neck, while his alleged accomplice, Sergei Borodin, was also detained. State media widely broadcasted his court appearance, hinting at a potential show trial and a possible 15-year jail sentence. Ivanov, a high-ranking official equivalent to an army general, was handcuffed in his office at the Defence Ministry before being transferred to the grim Lefortovo jail in Moscow.

Vladimir Putin, Russian Defence Ministery Sergei Shoigu and Deputy Minister of Defence Timur Ivanov (Image:
POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Ivanov, a colorful figure, is widely recognized as one of Putin’s most affluent security officials. Alongside Shoigu, the dictator was informed in advance about Ivanov’s impending arrest. This arrest is viewed as a manifestation of power struggles between rival factions, as Putin reorganizes his regime in the wake of his upcoming inauguration next month.
ALSO READ: EU supports Arming Ukraine Against Putin Threat
The humiliation faced by Ivanov could have negative implications for Shoigu, as he loses his trusted ally in the midst of a war. Ivanov, who was often referred to as “Shoigu’s wallet,” held significant influence and support within the regime.
However, it is worth noting that the detained minister also shares a close relationship with Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson and deputy head of the Kremlin administration. In fact, at one particular event, Peskov, donning a bear costume, was seen celebrating alongside Ivanov.
The Russian Deputy Defence Minister attending a meeting in Moscow on April 23 (Image: RUSSIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY PRESS SERVICE HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
The defense minister Ivanov the originator of the conflict in Putin’s administration has ridden numerous past claims of corruption as he ran the military’s infrastructure budget and rebuilt the blitzed and invaded Ukrainian city of Mariupol.
And corruption is endemic in the Putin regime, so analysts are searching to explain ‘why him and why now’. The Important Stories security-linked source said: “Now they are deciding what to do with him [Ivanov].
“Either they will jail him for a bribe and ‘finish him off’ in the [war] zone, or reclassify the charge as treason.” Ivanov’s stepson, whom he shared skiing trips with, is reportedly educated in Britain – despite the war against Ukraine.
And have claimed a divorce seven months after the war started from his wife socialite ex-TV star Svetlana Zakharova [Maniovich] – fond of posing semi-nude in the Maldives – was a “sham” to protect from Western sanctions as she carried on a lavish life in Britain, France and other European countries.

Ivanov has played a key role in the destruction of Ukraine (Image: pevchikh/Twitter)
The couple possessed an impressive collection of 11 vehicles, which included luxurious Mercedes-Benz and Bentley cars. Additionally, Ivanov’s daughter owned an apartment in Mexico. According to an investigation conducted by the team of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Svetlana, who is 52 years old, indulges in renting expensive villas in St Tropez and prefers to travel in a Rolls-Royce.
During their investigation, Navalny’s team stated, “We found no evidence to support the claim that [Svetlana] and Ivanov have actually separated.” They described her as someone who exudes wealth, adorned with diamonds and furs, and possessing an array of Rolls Royces and more.
During the summer, she can be found in St Tropez, where she rents a villa for a staggering €150,000 per month, or enjoying time on a yacht in Naples. Svetlana has a penchant for shopping and often travels to Paris as Moscow fails to meet her fashion requirements.
She frequents one of the most exclusive and discreet fine jewelry stores, where she receives personal appointments. It is at this store where she acquires earrings worth €150,000 and custom-made rings valued at €104,000.
Svetlana and Ivanov, as a couple, have two daughters named Praskovya, born in 2018, and Darya, born in 2010. Baza media outlet recently reported that Svetlana is “of interest to the investigation” regarding Ivanov’s alleged corruption.
ALSO READ: Ukraine Russia War: US House Passes Aid Deal Worth $61Bn
There have been unverified claims suggesting that she has been arrested, although it is believed that the couple is currently not together.
Recently, there have been rumors circulating about Ivanov, known for his womanizing ways, being romantically involved with Maria Kitaeva, a former advisor to Shoigu and a former TV presenter. Kitaeva, who was born in Belgium and has close ties to Putin, was previously married to Yuri Sadovenko, a deputy defense minister. Interestingly, Ivanov had taken Kitaeva as his partner while she was still married to Sadovenko.
As a symbol of their new relationship, Kitaeva gifted Ivanov monogrammed pyjamas with the initials MK and TI. Prior to this, she had hosted the annual Direct Line with Putin TV program, where viewers could ask questions directly to Putin.
It is worth noting that Ivanov has faced sanctions from several countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, Ukraine, Switzerland, and New Zealand, since 2022 due to Putin’s invasion. Reports suggest that the FSB has been investigating Ivanov for the past five years. Currently, searches are being conducted in numerous locations associated with Ivanov and his associate, known as “Batman,” Borodin, who happens to own multiple companies.