Kellogg Excluded from Russia-Ukraine Negotiations at Kremlin Request
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy, was excluded from recent Russia-Ukraine negotiations at the Kremlin’s request, due to his perceived closeness to Ukraine. Russian officials stated his approach did not align with their expectations. Steve Witkoff has assumed a lead role instead. Kellogg’s views on Ukraine conflict strategy reveal critical shifts in U.S. foreign policy, highlighting ongoing tensions between Washington and Moscow.
Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, was excluded from recent peace talks on the Ukraine war at the Kremlin’s request, as reported by NBC News. Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general and Vietnam War veteran, did not participate in critical negotiations held in Saudi Arabia. An anonymous Russian official criticized him, stating Kellogg was too closely aligned with Ukraine, indicating he did not meet Russia’s expectations for negotiation representation.
Additionally, former Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Fedorov noted that Kellogg’s stance on maintaining the front line in Ukraine influenced the decision to exclude him. Russia is insisting on Ukraine’s full withdrawal from regions it annexed in 2022, despite not having full control over those territories. Steve Witkoff, who is now chairing diplomatic efforts, stepped in for Kellogg in meetings with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Kellogg’s evolving stance on Ukraine, which emphasized support for President Volodymyr Zelensky, contrasts Trump’s earlier criticisms of Zelensky. Kellogg referred to Zelensky as a strong leader in turmoil when prompted. In a strategy paper co-authored by Kellogg, titled ‘America First, Russia & Ukraine,’ he advocated for strong military support and strategic alliances while promoting a cautious approach to military interventions.
Kellogg has expressed concerns about President Joe Biden’s incremental support for Ukraine. He suggested that to encourage peace talks, NATO must consider delaying Ukraine’s membership in exchange for security guarantees. His viewpoint shows a clear stance advocating for a comprehensive peace strategy while directly addressing Russia’s demands and geopolitical strategies.
The Moscow Times also highlighted the current threats against independent journalism in Russia, noting the challenges faced by their staff due to government pressures. This includes being labeled as an “undesirable” organization and hampered operations under repressive conditions, emphasizing the importance of supporting independent media in the region.
The exclusion of Keith Kellogg from Ukraine war negotiations underscores the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations and reflects the divergent strategies being adopted in diplomatic efforts. With Russia seeking a complete withdrawal from annexed territories, the U.S. faces pressure to navigate peace discussions that consider both sides’ demands. The criticism of U.S. support for Ukraine highlights a broader debate within American foreign policy, particularly regarding its alliances and military posture in global conflicts. The ongoing challenges faced by independent journalism in Russia further complicate the narrative surrounding these events.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
