Russia Reveals True Reasons Behind Dmitry Kozak’s Resignation: A Perspective from the Kremlin
New details have emerged in Russia regarding the reasons for Dmitry Kozak’s resignation, one of Vladimir Putin’s most influential and close associates.
The event took place on September 18 and, according to recent reports, is rooted in much deeper and more complex motives than merely disagreements over the war with Ukraine.
Analysts suggest that the real reason lies in the shifting internal political dynamics and ambitions among Russia’s top elite circles.According to information disseminated by Russian media outlets such as ‘Kommersant’ and ‘Meduza,’ Dmitry Kozak was actively seeking to reform the institution of the business rights protector.
His idea was to elevate the role of this position, establish a government commission to defend entrepreneurial interests, and expand its authority.
His proposals aimed at enhancing the standing and capabilities of the official responsible for protecting the business community amid the challenging legal and political landscape.
Should his proposals have been approved, Kozak intended to apply for the position of deputy head of the presidential administration, which would grant him greater influence and independence.However, these initiatives were not supported by the Kremlin.
Moreover, Kozak’s term as the business ombudsman had ended back in summer 2022, yet he was not appointed to a new role.
President Putin, according to sources, never approved his candidacy, which signaled a potential internal rift and a shift in political alignment.
Unexpectedly for many, Kozak was one of the few who attempted to promote reform ideas and maintained a high level of trust within the president’s inner circle.
After his proposals were rejected, he decided to resign.Kozak, an ethnic Ukrainian from Kirovohrad region, built a significant career within the Russian political system and became a key figure in shaping Russia’s policies toward Ukraine.
Returning to the presidential administration in 2020, he continued playing important roles, often expressing harsh anti-Ukrainian rhetoric.
In the past, he openly threatened Ukrainian politicians, calling them ‘children with matches’ and discussing the possibility of destroying Ukraine if it escalated its military actions.
Due to his support for Russia’s military aggression, he remains subjected to sanctions by various Western countries.Despite being the only high-ranking Russian official to not openly support the recognition of the so-called ‘DNR’ and ‘LNR’ in February 2022, Kozak did attempt several times to persuade Putin to halt the military offensive, but without success.
For over three years, he was considered a key diplomat and strategist on Ukraine issues, although by 2022 he had moved into the background.
Earlier this year, he even tried to become the chief negotiator with the new U.S.
administration regarding peace negotiations in Ukraine, but these plans never materialized.His voluntary departure from the Kremlin, a prominent figure in Russian politics, signifies significant internal political shifts.
It demonstrates that even the most influential political players are not immune to upheaval and reorganization — and in the current context, such changes can have far-reaching consequences beyond Russia’s internal affairs.