Background and Context
On September 18, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted the resignation of Dmitry Kozak, a longtime aide and deputy chief of staff. Kozak, a Ukraine-born Kremlin official, had been a vocal opponent of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. His departure comes as Putin continues to pursue a strategy of attrition against Ukraine, with Russian forces reportedly advancing on multiple fronts.
Kozak's Resignation and Its Implications
Kozak's resignation was confirmed by presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who stated that Kozak is leaving of his own accord. According to reports, Kozak's last day in office was set for September 19, 2025. The reasons behind Kozak's departure are not entirely clear, but it is seen as a significant development given his close relationship with Putin and his opposition to the Ukraine war.
Kozak's Role and Stance on Ukraine
Dmitry Kozak had been a key figure in the Kremlin since the 1990s, serving as a deputy chief of staff and advisor to President Putin. He was known for his pragmatic approach to politics and his opposition to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Kozak's stance on Ukraine had reportedly put him at odds with other senior officials in the Kremlin who supported the war effort.
Putin's Ukraine Strategy and Kozak's Opposition
Putin's strategy of attrition against Ukraine has been a central aspect of the ongoing conflict. The Russian president has claimed that over 700,000 Russian soldiers are on the frontline in Ukraine, and Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov has stated that Russian forces are advancing on 'practically all fronts.' Kozak's opposition to the war and his advocacy for peace talks had made him a outlier in the Kremlin.
Institute for the Study of War Assessment
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has assessed that Russia's victory in the war is 'not inevitable.' The ISW report pushed back against the Kremlin's narrative, highlighting the challenges faced by Russian forces in Ukraine. The report noted that Putin's attrition theory relies on the assumption that Russia can continue to make slow advances indefinitely and exhaust Ukraine's military and economy.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
The international community has been closely watching the developments in Ukraine, with many countries calling for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. > 'Vladimir Putin remains ready to settle the situation diplomatically and is doing a lot toward that end,' said Dmitry Peskov, highlighting Russia's commitment to finding a peaceful resolution.
Expert Analysis
Conclusion
The resignation of Dmitry Kozak marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As Putin continues to pursue a strategy of attrition, the international community remains closely watching the situation. The implications of Kozak's departure and the future of the conflict remain uncertain.
Future Developments
The situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, with new developments emerging daily. As the conflict enters a new phase, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of the conflict will be far-reaching.