NYT: Putin's Associate Openly Opposed War With Ukraine

• 19.12.2025, 8:34

High-ranking officials witnessed the insubordination.

An associate of the Russian president has refused to follow orders during a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, publicly demonstrating dissent and suggesting alternatives, including an end to the war and reforms within the country.

According to The New York Times.

Refusal of orders and consequences

Dmitri Kozak, a former deputy chief of staff to the Russian president, refused to follow orders from the country's leader on the second day of the invasion of Ukraine.

According to The New York Times, Kozak said he was prepared to be arrested or shot, showing open disagreement with the goals of the invasion.

The conversation with Putin took place with a loudspeaker on, making other senior officials witness the defiance.

Attempts at a diplomatic settlement

Aide to the Russian leader was already negotiating a cease-fire at the start of the invasion, including contacts with Ukrainian and U.S. representatives.

In January 2022, he participated in an eight-hour meeting in Paris, trying to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

Kozak also predicted in advance the negative consequences of the invasion, including the possible entry of Sweden and Finland into NATO, and warned of sanctions and a deterioration of Russia's geopolitical position.

Internal Reforms and Economic Initiative

After the conflict, Kozak retained an office in the presidential administration, but proposed radical changes domestically: an end to the war and liberal reforms, including judicial independence.

These initiatives contradicted the Russian leadership's plans and increased tensions with the president.

Personal Security and Status

Despite the dissent, Kozak continued to stay in Moscow, counting on personal ties and experience with the Russian leader since the 1990s as a guarantee of some security.