Ukrainian official names top supporter of continuing war in Putin's inner circle
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
One of the Kremlin's main supporters of continuing the war against Ukraine is Sergey Kiriyenko, the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian President's administration, according to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Who influences Kremlin decisions
Sergey Kiriyenko, the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian presidential administration, is the leading advocate for continuing the war against Ukraine and currently has the greatest influence over Vladimir Putin's decision-making, according to Kovalenko.
What Kovalenko said
According to Kovalenko, it is Kiriyenko's position that the Russian leader listens to when discussing further actions in the war against Ukraine.
At the same time, the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation noted that Kiriyenko is not the only senior Russian official opposed to ending the war.
Kovalenko said Kiriyenko regularly proposes new scenarios for escalating the war and carrying out terror against Ukraine.
In Kovalenko's view, Kiriyenko remains one of the key figures shaping Russia's future policy toward Ukraine.
Kiriyenko's role in the war
Sergey Kiriyenko is considered one of the key ideologues behind Russia’s policy toward Ukraine. Since 2022, he has been overseeing the temporarily occupied territories and led the organization of illegal referendums on their annexation.
Under his supervision, Russia has carried out the Russification of occupied regions, introduced Russian educational standards, forced local residents to obtain Russian passports, and established administrative systems run with the involvement of Russian officials.
Kiriyenko also oversees the Kremlin's main propaganda narratives related to the war against Ukraine.
Ukraine has placed him on its wanted list, while the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other countries have imposed sanctions on him.
Earlier, it was reported that senior officials from Russia's security agencies had urged Vladimir Putin to consider postponing the State Duma elections. According to the reports, such proposals have become more frequent following drone attacks on Moscow, with supporters including the leadership of the FSB and Rosgvardia chief Viktor Zolotov.
