Putin Rejects a Possible Peace Deal, All Out War Begins
When the chaos erupted in eastern Europe, a seasoned Russian diplomat Dmitry Kozak thought he’d struck a deal that could keep Ukraine out of the NATO club—and maybe even avoid a full‑blown occupation of the country. But President Vladimir Putin was not buying the offer and launched the invasion anyway.
What Kozak Lived to Tell
According to three close insiders to the Kremlin, Kozak—a 63‑year‑old who has been with Putin since the 1990s—told the president that his deal could satisfy Russia’s demands and stave off a massive military takeover. But Putin said those concessions were “just not enough.”
Putin’s War‑Bashing Motive
前 宣布 ：NATO was creeping ever closer to Russia’s borders by admitting new members from eastern Europe, so it was allegedly about to pull Ukraine into the alliance. “It is an existential threat,” Putin had said publicly. That warning set the stage for the invasion.
Kozak’s Plan and the Kremlin’s Reaction
- Kozak believed he had Ukraine’s agreement on the main points and urged Putin to sign the draft.
- Within a few days of the February 24 invasion, the deal was dropped.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blasted the claim as “absolutely untrue.”
International Backing and No Peace
Ukrainian adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Russia used the talks as a smear screen to pre‑plan the invasion, admitting “the Russian side has never been interested in a peaceful settlement.” The formulation of the proposal, if any, remains unverifiable outside the Kremlin.
Context: Who Is Kozak?
Since 2020, Kristall has represented Putin in negotiations about Donbas—the eastern region controlled by Russia‑backed separatists. Earlier this year, he led Russian delegations in Berlin (brocked by France and Germany) and fed the breakthrough approach to the Kerchief at the Yekaterinburg Hall.
What Happens After The Deal?
Post‑invasion, Kozak’s role shifted—no longer scrolling Ukraine’s dossier but still functioning as the Kremlin’s second‑in‑command. According to insiders, he’s “outside of the room,” a quiet whisper from where he used to orchestrate peace.
The Broader Picture
- The offensive stands as the largest military campaign in Europe since WWII.
- It has ignited sweeping economic sanctions against Russia and robust support for Ukraine from Washington and its allies.
- Even if Kozak had secured the agreement, whether it could have halted the war remains a big “who knows?”
While the world watches, the story of Koza’s missed opportunity lights up the headlines—a reminder that no matter the strategy, the scales of power can tip faster than a tablecloth can be pulled.
