Ukraine War: Kozak Urges Putin to Reform Russia – UNIAN
Putin’s Longtime Confidant Kozak Reportedly Disillusioned with Ukraine War, Losing Influence
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Dmitry Kozak, a longtime associate of Vladimir Putin (although not publicly acknowledged as such), is reportedly facing a diminished role within the Kremlin, potentially due to his private reservations about the war in Ukraine. This shift in power dynamics is detailed in a recent report by The New York Times.
Kozak’s history with Putin stretches back to Soviet Ukraine, where he served in Soviet special forces. He later worked alongside Putin at the st. Petersburg City Hall in the 1990s. Following Putin’s appointment as Prime Minister of Russia in 1999, Kozak was named head of his apparatus, a position that cemented their close working relationship. For years, he remained one of Putin’s most trusted allies, spearheading key initiatives, including the readiness for the 2014 Sochi Olympics and the integration of occupied Crimea into the Russian system.
For decades, Kozak functioned as a discreet but vital aide to Putin, handling “some of the most delicate tasks,” according to sources. Though, The New York times reports that Kozak’s influence has waned significantly, with much of his authority now concentrated in the hands of Sergey Kiriyenko.
Kozak’s Doubts About the Invasion
The reported decline in Kozak’s standing is linked to his apparent disapproval of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Three sources close to the Kremlin, along with two informed Western representatives, told The New York Times that Kozak has privately expressed his belief that the invasion was a mistake.
Prior to February 2022, Kozak reportedly advised Putin against launching a full-scale attack, warning of the fierce resistance Ukraine would mount and the potentially devastating consequences. Insiders claim he accurately predicted the protracted and difficult conflict that has unfolded.
Furthermore, in the spring of 2022, Putin allegedly rejected a draft peace agreement with Ukraine that Kozak had previously negotiated with Kyiv.
More recently,Kozak is said to have presented Putin with another proposal for ending the war,coupled with a call for internal reforms within Russia. This proposal included transferring control of powerful Russian law enforcement agencies to the government and establishing an autonomous judicial system – measures aimed at curbing the influence of security services.
A Reflection of Discontent Within the Moscow Elite
While it’s unlikely Putin will heed Kozak’s advice, given his current inner circle’s tendency to reinforce his hardline stance on Ukraine, the situation highlights growing disillusionment within parts of the Moscow elite.The New York Times suggests Kozak’s actions reflect a broader concern over Putin’s unwillingness to compromise and the increasing power wielded by security services.This internal dissent underscores the potential for cracks within the Russian power structure as the war in Ukraine continues to drag on, with no clear path to resolution. The shift in influence away from Kozak, a figure deeply involved in shaping Putin’s policies for years, signals a potentially significant change in the Kremlin’s approach – or, more accurately, a reinforcement of its existing trajectory.
World Negotiations in Ukraine
Western observers have criticized Donald Trump’s plans for a summit with Putin, expressing concerns that Russia has not demonstrated a genuine desire for a peaceful resolution on acceptable terms. The Washington Post argues that inviting Putin to the US rewards the Kremlin for its continued aggression.
European leaders are reportedly “in a panic” attempting to dissuade Trump from offering concessions to Putin, emphasizing the importance of not rewarding aggression and forcing the victim to make concessions. they are striving to convey the message that rewarding Russia’s actions would be a detrimental step towards achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.