Exclusion of Keith Kellogg from Peace Talks Highlights U.S.-Russia Tensions
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg was excluded from U.S.-Russia peace talks after the Kremlin expressed preferences against his participation, citing his pro-Ukraine stance. His absence raises questions about his role as Trump’s envoy amidst ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine. Recent meetings led by other officials like Steve Witkoff highlight shifting dynamics in negotiations.
The Kremlin communicated its disinterest in having President Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, attend peace talks, resulting in his exclusion from two recent summits in Saudi Arabia. This development unfolded after reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin considered Kellogg overly pro-Ukraine, indicating a lack of fit with their negotiation strategy.
Trump appointed Kellogg to secure peace through strength, but his absence from key discussions raises questions about his role as envoy. U.S. officials also confirmed that Russia did not wish for Kellogg to participate. The degree of Kellogg’s future involvement remains uncertain as his office did not respond to inquiries regarding this exclusion.
National Security Council spokesman James Hewitt emphasized that Trump actively involved multiple senior officials in peace efforts, with Kellogg remaining a critical member. Despite his loyalty to Trump and previous positions, Kellogg had criticized the Biden administration’s foreign policy leading up to his nomination as envoy.
Kellogg previously argued that the U.S. should bolster Ukraine’s defense to prevent further Russian advances and advocated for future military aid contingent on Ukraine participating in peace negotiations. Trump has consistently prioritized ending the war, vowing to halt hostilities swiftly upon his potential re-election.
In a recent meeting, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, had a lengthy interaction with Putin, where he conveyed a message from Trump. Following this, Trump voiced intentions of immediate negotiations, indicating a collaborative approach with Russia about Ukraine.
Additionally, a meeting of diplomats led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio proceeding without Kellogg highlighted ongoing tensions. Russia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry maintained that delegation compositions were an American responsibility, while close Kremlin associates indicated Kellogg was not a desirable negotiating partner due to his positions on strategy.
As discussions with Russian officials in Riyadh proceeded, reports indicated an agreement to restore embassy staffing. However, an extraordinary spat between Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy strained relations, leading to a temporary halt in U.S. intelligence sharing. Following a recent meeting, a Ukrainian delegation proposed a ceasefire, further complicating Kellogg’s role, as he was absent from these discussions.
The exclusion of Keith Kellogg from pivotal peace talks, as requested by the Kremlin, reflects ongoing tensions over U.S.-Russia interactions regarding the Ukraine conflict. Kellogg’s critical stance on Ukraine, alongside his loyalty to Trump, complicates his influence in negotiations. The evolving diplomatic landscape remains dynamic with U.S. officials like Witkoff actively engaging with Russian leadership to seek an end to hostilities.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
