Dmytro Kozak, the former deputy head of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation and curator of the occupied territories of Donbas, wrote a personal letter to President Vladimir Putin before his resignation, in which he resolutely criticized the war against Ukraine. He expressed this criticism ‘in very harsh words’.
According to Russian media reports, before his dismissal, Kozak not only submitted an official resignation letter, but also wrote a separate letter to Putin, in which he expressed sharp criticism regarding Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Criticism and Influence on Putin
According to information, Kozak ‘did this in very harsh expressions’. However, another source notes that Kozak does not believe that his actions caused irritation in Putin and even hopes for a possible meeting with him.
After Resignation
After his dismissal, Kozak frequently travels abroad, including for medical treatment, and currently holds no new position. He has lost his influence due to his opposition to the war; earlier he tried to persuade Putin not to start the conflict and initiated peace negotiations.
‘Kozak is the only high-ranking official who openly disagreed with the war in Kremlin circles.’
It is known that on September 17, Kozak submitted his resignation letter, planning to transition to business. On September 18, Putin signed a decree on his dismissal, which raised concerns among analysts about intentions to continue the war and abandon diplomatic efforts.
These events indicate internal contradictions among the Russian elite regarding the conduct of the war in Ukraine. Kozak’s departure, who previously advocated for peace negotiations, may strengthen the opinion on the autonomy of a group of politicians who do not support the Kremlin’s aggressive policy, making their voices even more important amid the ongoing conflict.
