Ivan Durnovo

Ivan Nikolayevich Durnovo (Russian: Иван Николаевич Дурново, the patronymic is also transcribed as Nikolaevich; 13 March [O.S. 1 March] 1834 – 11 June [O.S. 29 May] 1903) was a Russian political figure. He served as Chairman of the Committee of Ministers between 1895 and 1903, the precursor to the post of prime minister.

Ivan Nikolaevich Durnovo was born on 1 (13) March 1834 in Chernigov Governorate (which was located mostly within northeastern Ukraine and Russia's Bryansk Oblast) to the noble Durnovo family. He attended Prince Michael Artillery Academy (Russian: ) in Saint Petersburg.

After a brief time in the military, he returned to civilian life and was elected by the nobility of his uyezd (district) to the position of the Marshal of Nobility. Later he occupied a similar position for the entire Chernigov Governorate. He served as the Governor of Chernigov Governorate (1863–1870) and Yekaterinoslav Governorate (1870–1882). From 1882 he was in Saint Petersburg, starting as a Deputy Minister of Interior (1882–1886).