On September 18, 2025, Vladimir Putin signed a decree dismissing Dmitry Kozak from his role as deputy head of the Russian presidential administration. This marks the end of an era for a figure responsible for the "Ukrainian direction" in Russian domestic politics. Political scientist Ihor Reyterovych examines the significance of this development and its impact on Ukraine.
Reyterovych stresses that Kozak's departure may signal a shift in Russia's approach to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine: tough curators, led by Sergey Kiriyenko, are expected to oversee these regions with less pragmatism and more control and repression, while ideological indoctrination—particularly targeting the youth—will become more systematic.
According to the expert, Kozak was among the few figures in the Kremlin who sometimes voiced alternative opinions. His resignation reduces room for dissent and makes aggressive policies toward occupied territories more likely.
Kiriyenko, expected to become the chief supervisor, is known for his technological and methodological approach to governance and propaganda. He is anticipated to pursue a strategy of complete ideological integration of the occupied territories into Russia, mass passportization, and electoral incorporation of local residents.
Reyterovych notes that these moves will further entrench Kremlin control and complicate the return of these areas to Ukraine. He adds that such personnel changes do not indicate a willingness by Russia to negotiate, but rather show a hardline path and further escalation.
