Top priority for Trump’s envoy Keith Kellogg: What he plans to do in Ukraine
Photo: Keith Kellogg, Special Envoy of the United States of America (Getty Images)
The main purpose of US special envoy Keith Kellogg's visit is to gather information on the situation inside the country amid intensified Russian air attacks and a possible Russian offensive, political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko told RBC-Ukraine.
The visit is not for the sake of meeting with the president
As Fesenko reminded, Kellogg has already met with the president in Rome recently. There is likely to be another meeting, but the main goal is to gather information inside the country.
The political analyst explained that Kellogg may also visit some frontline regions and cities and talk to Ukrainian soldiers.
"I think the No. 1 goal for Keith Kellogg is to assess the situation directly with his own eyes and through communication with our military. What is the state of the situation - what is the situation with the military offensive, to what extent will it be possible to stop the Russian offensive with the help of the United States, what weapons does Ukraine need first of all - not only air defense, not only Patriot," noted the political analyst.
Fesenko also does not rule out that Kellogg may raise the issue of human potential over the lack of soldiers at the front. He will be interested in the capabilities of the rear and whether Ukraine is able to withstand the continuation of the war, as escalation is a likely scenario amid news of a possible Russian offensive in the second half of the summer.
"Well, the mood of Ukraine, how Ukrainians are ready or not ready to withstand the continuation of the war. And even the political changes that may occur during the current week, I think this is also relevant for Kellogg, who is the main liaison, negotiator with the Trump administration," Fesenko added.
What to expect from the US
According to the political scientist, Trump's statement and the meeting with Secretary General Mark Rutte and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, which are scheduled for today, are not a coincidence. The US president's statement is likely to concern the resumption and expansion of supplies to Ukraine, but with European money.
Fesenko noted that the first American aid package will include air defense and missiles for it. After that, the question of what kind of weapons the Defense Forces need will be decided, but that will come later.
The resumption of arms deliveries could force Vladimir Putin to return to negotiations with Ukraine, as the Kremlin leader was counting on the United States to abandon Ukraine.
"Well, they can promise sanctions. By the way, I think that the issue of sanctions will also be discussed (during Kellogg's visit - ed.) What kind of sanctions, how to put more pressure on Russia... I think all of this will also be discussed with Kellogg in order to develop the most effective solutions to make Russia return to negotiations," he explained.
US attempts to end the war in Ukraine
In recent months, the United States has held a series of separate meetings with representatives of Kyiv and Moscow. During one of them, the White House proposed a complete ceasefire, which Ukraine immediately supported. Russia, in turn, began to put forward its own demands.
In early June, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Trump the key figure to peace between Russia and Ukraine if the American leader pressed Moscow.
