Top Kremlin aide Dmitry Kozak ‘Urged Putin to end Ukraine War —

Dmitry Kozak, a deputy head of the Russian presidential administration and a longtime ally of Vladimir Putin, has urged the Kremlin leader to halt the war in Ukraine and open peace talks, according to a New York Times report cited by multiple outlets. Kozak, who privately opposed the full-scale invasion from the outset, recently presented Putin with a proposal to stop the fighting, the reports say.

Kozak also pushed for domestic reforms, including stronger civilian oversight of Russia’s powerful security services and establishing a more independent judiciary, sources told the newspaper. He is described as one of the few senior officials in Putin’s circle who voices disagreement with the war in private, even as he avoids public criticism.

The stance has reportedly diminished Kozak’s influence at court, with parts of his portfolio shifting to First Deputy Chief of Staff Sergei Kiriyenko, who has overseen Moscow’s management of occupied Ukrainian territories. Nonetheless, Kozak is believed to retain some access to the president.

Context: Talks push ahead of Alaska summit

The disclosures land days before a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15, where Ukraine is expected to be a central topic. Washington has left open the possibility of a three-way format that includes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, though Kyiv’s participation remains uncertain.

European leaders and Kyiv have insisted Ukraine must be at the table for any talks shaping a potential settlement.