Kremlin insider named as driving force behind Putin's war

A senior Ukrainian official has identified one of Vladimir Putin's closest aides as the Kremlin figure pushing hardest to keep Russia's war against Ukraine going. The claim shines a spotlight on the power struggle inside Moscow as the conflict grinds on with no sign of a negotiated settlement.

Kyiv Points to Putin's Closest Adviser

Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, said Sergey Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff in the Kremlin, now wields the greatest influence over Putin's decisions on the war.

According to Kovalenko, Kiriyenko is the official whose advice carries the most weight when the Russian president considers the next phase of the conflict. He claimed Kiriyenko consistently argues against ending the war and instead proposes new ways to escalate military pressure on Ukraine.

Architect of Moscow's Occupation Strategy

Kiriyenko has emerged as one of the Kremlin's central architects of Russia's policy in occupied Ukrainian territory. Since 2022, he has overseen the administration of occupied regions and played a leading role in organising referendums that Kyiv and its Western allies dismiss as illegal.

Ukrainian officials say his responsibilities have extended beyond politics to directing the Russification of occupied areas, introducing Russian education standards, expanding passport distribution and installing Moscow-backed administrations. He is also seen as a key figure behind the Kremlin's wartime propaganda strategy.

Pressure Builds Inside the Kremlin

Kovalenko stressed that Kiriyenko is not alone in opposing any move towards ending the war, but described him as one of the most influential voices shaping Russia's long-term approach to Ukraine.

His comments come amid reports that senior figures in Russia's security establishment have urged Putin to consider delaying State Duma elections following a series of drone attacks on Moscow. The reported proposals are said to have backing from senior FSB officials and Rosgvardia chief Viktor Zolotov, underlining the growing pressure on the Kremlin as the war increasingly reaches Russian territory.

Kiriyenko is wanted by Ukraine and remains under sanctions imposed by the UK, European Union, United States and several other countries over his role in Russia's actions against Ukraine.

Ukrainian official names top supporter of continuing war in Putin's inner circle