There is no definitive answer to this question, as Vladimir Putin's closest friends are likely those with whom he is most closely aligned politically and ideologically. However, there are a few individuals who stand out as being particularly close to the Russian president. One such individual is Sergei Lavrov, Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs. The two men have worked together for many years and have been described as having a close working relationship. Another close friend of Putin's is Dmitry Medvedev, who served as Russia's Prime Minister from 2012 to 2020. Medvedev and Putin have known each other since they were young men, and their friendship has been described as being very strong.