Putin Appears to Dismiss Longtime Aide Linked to Failed Ukraine Negotiations
Moscow – Russian President Vladimir Putin has seemingly removed Dmitry kozak, a key advisor with a long history of involvement in Ukraine policy, from his post, according to reports surfacing this week. Kozak, who reportedly faced Putin’s displeasure over assessments preceding the invasion of ukraine, was part of the Russian delegation that negotiated with U.S. officials in Riyadh earlier this year, suggesting he retained some level of trust despite reported tensions.
Kozak’s potential dismissal marks a meaningful shift within Putin’s inner circle, signaling a possible reckoning over the stalled war in Ukraine and the miscalculations that preceded it. the move impacts future diplomatic efforts and raises questions about the direction of Russia‘s Ukraine strategy, especially regarding potential negotiations with Ukrainian elements willing to cooperate under altered circumstances. Kozak, born in 1958 near Kirovohrad (now Kropyvnytskyi) in Ukraine, is now reportedly transitioning to a role in business, Russian media outlets report.
Sources indicate Putin was dissatisfied with Kozak, not only for presenting analyses that differed from the Kremlin’s perspective before the February 2022 invasion, but also for suggesting the possibility of cooperation with Ukrainians. Despite this, Kozak participated in negotiations with the Americans in Riyadh this year, indicating a degree of continued confidence from Putin.
kozak has not publicly commented on his future.
