Putin Removes Longtime Ukraine Advisor Dmitry Kozak, Reportedly for Advocating Negotiations
WASHINGTON – Russian President Vladimir Putin has removed Dmitry Kozak from his position as Deputy Chief of Staff, a move reportedly linked to Kozak’s repeated calls for negotiations wiht Ukraine to end the ongoing conflict, according to the Institute for the study of War (ISW). Kozak, previously a key architect of Kremlin policy toward Ukraine, had advocated for a diplomatic solution even before the full-scale invasion began in february 2022.
Kozak served as an intermediary in attempting to reach an agreement with Ukraine that would have precluded Ukrainian membership in NATO,but putin reportedly rejected the proposal,opting rather to pursue the annexation of Ukrainian territory. Western and Russian sources indicate Kozak’s influence within the Kremlin waned in recent months after he advised Putin to halt hostilities, initiate peace talks, and curtail the influence of Russian security services.
Prior to 2022,Kozak was one of Putin’s closest advisors on Ukraine,overseeing Kremlin strategy in the country before obligation was transferred to Sergei Kiriyenko.more recently, Kiriyenko also assumed control of the Kremlin’s portfolio on Moldova from Kozak, consolidating his power within Putin’s management.
The New York Times reported in August that kozak recently offered Putin a path to stop the war and begin peace negotiations.Reuters reported in 2022 that Kozak had previously persuaded Putin to accept a preliminary agreement with Ukraine regarding NATO membership, which Putin ultimately dismissed before launching the full-scale invasion.
