NextFin news, On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Dmitry Kozak, deputy head of the Russian Presidential Administration and a longtime ally of President Vladimir Putin, resigned from his position, confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Kozak's departure follows years of disagreement with Putin's policies on the war in Ukraine, including his opposition to the full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.
Kozak was reportedly the only member of the Russian Security Council to oppose the invasion at the February 21, 2022 meeting. He also acted as a mediator in early negotiations with Ukraine, proposing an agreement that would have prevented Ukraine from joining NATO. However, Putin rejected this plan, aiming instead to annex Ukrainian territory.
According to reports from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and Russian media outlets, Kozak lost influence in the Kremlin after advising Putin to immediately halt military operations, initiate peace talks, and reduce the power of Russian security services. His responsibilities were gradually transferred to Sergei Kiriyenko, the first deputy chief of staff.
Russian sources indicate that Kozak either was dismissed or pressured to resign voluntarily, with Putin signing a decree on August 29, 2025, abolishing departments previously headed by Kozak, signaling preparations for his exit. Kozak submitted his resignation over the weekend and is considering offers to work in the private sector.
Born in the Kirovohrad region of Soviet Ukraine, Kozak has been a close associate of Putin since the 1990s, serving in various government roles including Deputy Prime Minister for 12 years before becoming deputy head of the Presidential Administration in 2020.
Analysts interpret Kozak's dismissal as a consolidation of power around Putin's inner circle, particularly Kiriyenko, and a clear indication that Putin and his advisors remain committed to continuing the war in Ukraine with maximalist demands, rejecting peace overtures.
The Kremlin officially stated Kozak resigned for personal reasons without further details. His departure marks a rare instance of a senior Kremlin official leaving amid policy disagreements over the Ukraine conflict.
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