In a heated meeting on February 26, Dmitry Kozak, a long‑time aide to Russia’s president, refused to carry out Vladimir Putin’s command and warned he might face arrest or execution.
Putin’s Adviser Rejects Orders
Dmitry Kozak, a key aide for three decades, declined to carry out President Vladimir Putin’s directive, arguing he was unaware of the final objectives of the invasion. He warned that refusal could lead to his arrest or execution. Ultimately, he transmitted Russia’s demands to Ukraine, but on February 26 he was replaced by Vladimir Miedinski.
Negotiations on the Second Day of War
The New York Times reports that on the second day of Russia’s full‑scale assault on Ukraine, Kozak negotiated an agreement that would secure Ukraine’s safety and mandate the withdrawal of Russian forces from all territories except Crimea and eastern Donbas. The deal also threatened to criticize him for overstepping territorial limits and demanded that he seek only Ukraine’s capitulation.
Security Council Meeting on 21 Feb
On February 21, 2022, during a Security Council session, top officials endorsed an impending invasion. Kozak’s briefing warned that Sweden and Finland could join NATO—a forecast that later proved true—and cautioned that Ukraine would resist, sanctions would tighten, and Russia’s geopolitical position would suffer. Putin, after hearing the brief, sent everyone to leave and then called for further discussion. This was the last meeting before the 24 Feb bombardment of Kyiv.
Aftermath and Departure
In September, Kozak resigned as deputy chief of Putin’s administration, ending a thirty‑year collaboration, yet he remains in Moscow. His resignation came after the episode of refusing orders and declaring possible detainment or execution.
