Putin’s longtime ally, the only opponent of war, leaves Kremlin - Media
Photo: Dmitry Kozak (Russian media)
Dmitry Kozak has submitted a resignation letter to step down from his position as Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Russia, according to journalist Aleksey Venediktov on Telegram.
Venediktov claims that the information about Kozak’s resignation was revealed by informed sources in Moscow.
According to the journalist, if Kozak’s resignation is confirmed, it would become a "unique precedent" in the history of Putin’s power structure.
What is known about Kozak
Dmitry Kozak has been an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin since the 1990s.
After serving 12 years as Deputy Prime Minister, he became Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Russia in 2020, overseeing relations with CIS countries.
Last month, The New York Times reported that Kozak allegedly tried to dissuade Putin from launching a full-scale war against Ukraine.
This year, according to Kozak, he presented the Kremlin leader with a proposal that envisioned halting hostilities and conducting peace negotiations.
The politician also reportedly urged Putin to implement "uncomfortable" reforms, including the establishment of an independent judicial system.
NYT claimed that Kozak is the only high-ranking Russian official to openly oppose the war with Ukraine.
