Citing two people familiar with the matter, the report said Kozak handed in his letter of resignation over the weekend. He is scheduled to meet with staff on Sept. 17, the sources added. Both told RBC that Kozak plans to leave government service for the private sector and is weighing various business opportunities.
Independent journalist Arkady Dubnov, also citing unnamed sources, reported that Kozak “voluntarily” chose to step down.
“Dmitry Kozak, as described by people close to him, has been weighed down by being partially responsible for everything that’s going on…,” said Dubnov.
On Aug. 10, The New York Times reported that Kozak, who formerly oversaw Russia’s occupation of Donbas, privately told Putin that the invasion of Ukraine was a mistake. After that conversation, Kozak’s influence in the Kremlin waned and was gradually eclipsed by Sergei Kiriyenko, a senior official who now discharges many of his duties.
NYT sources said Kozak was the only high-ranking member of Putin’s circle to openly call for a ceasefire and peace negotiations this year. And on Aug. 30, The Moscow Times, citing Kremlin insiders, reported that Putin was considering dismissing Kozak over his vocal criticism of the war and his push to curb the powers of Russia’s security services.