Kremlin considering moving deputy chief of staff who is reportedly critical of the war to presidential envoy post

One of the candidates for the post of presidential envoy to Russia’s Northwestern Federal District is reportedly Deputy Chief of Staff Dmitry Kozak, whom the New York Times has described as the “only senior official close to Mr. Putin known to speak openly about his disagreement with the war.”

Sources close to the Putin administration and the envoy’s office the Northwestern District told the Russian newspaper Vedomosti about Kozak’s possible appointment. Two other sources said there are discussions about Kozak potentially leaving the administration.

All of the sources emphasized that because Kozak is one of the president’s closest allies, the decision will be made personally by him. “That’s why it’s too early to say for sure where the president might send him [if he decides to make the change],” one of the sources told the paper.

The envoy post in the Northwestern Federal District could become vacant as part of an anticipated Russian government reshuffle. The position is currently held by Alexander Gutsan, who, according to media reports, is expected to head the Prosecutor General’s Office. Current Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov, is expected to become chairman of the Supreme Court.