Following the announcement of upcoming talks between Trump and Putin on August 15, Russian voices have become more active in Western media. Notably, The New York Times published a piece suggesting that Dmitry Kozak, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, disagrees with Putin’s policy on ending the war – possibly leading to his imminent dismissal.

Maria Kucherenko, Senior Analyst at the Come Back Alive Initiatives Center, commented on the anticipated Trump-Putin meeting and Russia’s media activity in the West during an appearance on the Fakty ICTV program.

Expectations from the Negotiations

“Trump wants to demonstrate progress in achieving peace at any cost. But are these real negotiations aimed at ending the war – or even pausing it? I don’t believe we’ll see such a result without Ukraine and Europe at the table,” Maria Kucherenko noted.

Who Is Dmitry Kozak, and Does He Want Peace?

“From the beginning of the war, Kozak really insisted on doing everything within the framework of the so-called Minsk agreements. But Kozak’s intention was never to withdraw Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. His goal rather has been to ensure that sanctions against Russia would be lifted upon its entry into negotiations,” Kucherenko reminded.

She emphasized: “Kozak is not a dove of peace; he is a hawk – one of the key figures who exerted significant pressure on Ukraine during the Normandy Format and within the  Trilateral Contact Group. He is a dangerous enemy who has not changed his views.”

Kozak’s leaks in the press more likely indicate an attempt to portray him as a proponent of negotiations. However, this does not mean he supports lasting peace or respects Ukraine’s sovereignty. More likely, it reflects a deliberate Russian effort to manipulate perceptions – especially through the American press.

“Taking into consideration Kozak’s background and previous positions, I simply do not believe he advocates for ending the war on terms acceptable to Ukraine. What he’s really pushing for is a freeze in the conflict and a way for Russia to escape its economic deadlock,” Kucherenko concluded.