The Putin Confidant Who Pushed Back Against Russia’s War in Ukraine

A long-time confidant of Vladimir Putin, Dmitri N. Kozak, reportedly defied the Russian president's orders at the start of the Ukraine invasion. Sources close to Kozak say that on the second day of the war in 2022, Putin instructed Kozak to demand Ukraine's surrender. Kozak refused, stating he didn't understand the objectives of the invasion. The disagreement escalated, with Kozak telling Putin he was prepared to face arrest or even execution for his defiance.

According to these sources, Putin had put the call on speakerphone, making senior officials in his office witnesses to Kozak's rare act of insubordination. This event highlights how Putin maintains near-total control over the war effort, facing very few challenges from within his inner circle. This dynamic helps explain why Putin continues to hold firm on his demands despite growing pressure for a ceasefire.

Kozak, aged 67, resigned from his position as deputy chief of staff in September, following a New York Times report detailing his private criticisms of the war. Since his resignation, six individuals with close ties to Kozak have described his transformation from a 30-year Putin loyalist into a voice of anti-war sentiment among the Russian elite. These individuals spoke anonymously, citing concerns about potential repercussions for discussing sensitive Kremlin matters.

Kozak's open disagreement with Putin within the ruling elite reflects a broader, albeit quiet, dissatisfaction felt by many within Moscow's business and cultural circles, as well as among government officials, according to the six sources. This discontent has grown this year due to Putin's unwillingness to end the war, even under terms that might be considered favorable.