Dmitry Kozak, a longtime ally and close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has resigned from his post in the Kremlin after reportedly opposing the war in Ukraine in its early days, the Kremlin confirmed on Thursday.
The 66-year-old official, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Kremlin’s powerful presidential administration, stepped down “at his own request,” according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
The announcement followed days of speculation surrounding Kozak, one of Putin’s earliest political companions since their time in the St. Petersburg mayor’s office in the 1990s. High-level resignations within Putin’s administration remain extremely rare.
Some Russian media reported that Kozak had been offered a senior role overseeing the Northwestern Federal District, but he declined. Peskov did not confirm this.
Kozak’s Role and Background
Born in Ukraine, Kozak joined Putin in the Kremlin in 2000, holding multiple senior positions over two decades, including Deputy Prime Minister for nearly 12 years. He also oversaw the organization of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, which Moscow portrayed as a symbol of Russia’s global resurgence.
Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Kozak was placed under U.S. and EU sanctions. In 2020, he was promoted to the Kremlin administration, becoming one of its most influential figures and frequently engaged with Western diplomats.
Reported Opposition to the War
According to The New York Times and Reuters, Kozak was among the few insiders who voiced opposition to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He reportedly presented a framework for a possible peace deal with Kyiv, addressing some of the Kremlin’s demands, but Putin rejected the plan.
Analysts view his departure as a clear message that dissent or hesitation toward the Ukraine war is not tolerated within Putin’s inner circle.
