Russian President Vladimir Putin has removed Dmitry Kozak , a long-standing close adviser, from his senior position in the Kremlin, according to the Institute for the Study of War ( ISW ). Kozak reportedly advocated for dialogue with Ukraine, and his dismissal signals a consolidation within the Kremlin around Putin ’s decision to continue the war rather than pursue negotiations. ISW notes that senior Kremlin officials, likely with Putin ’s approval, pushed Kozak out following repeated