Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, arrived in Kyiv on Monday amidst growing anticipation of a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for more than three years.
Last week, President Trump hinted at a forthcoming “major statement” on Russia, emphasizing his commitment to ending the war as one of his diplomatic priorities. Trump’s frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unwavering stance towards U.S.-led peace efforts has been palpable.
Historically, Trump has touted his relationship with Putin, suggesting that Russia was more inclined to negotiate than Ukraine. However, he accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of stalling peace talks and criticized him as a “dictator without elections.”
Russia’s aggressive assaults on civilian areas in Ukraine eventually tested Trump’s patience. Earlier this year, he publicly called on Putin to “STOP!” the relentless bombardments on Kyiv. Following persistent attacks, he expressed his growing disappointment, stating that he believed Putin had initially meant what he said but then contradicted himself through continued aggression.
“I am very disappointed with President Putin,” Trump remarked late Sunday. “He’ll talk so beautifully and then he’ll bomb people at night. We don’t like that.”
In an effort to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, Trump confirmed the United States would be supplying critically needed U.S.-made Patriot air defense missiles to help combat intensified Russian aerial attacks.
In a controversial statement, Trump asserted that the European Union would reimburse the U.S. for its ongoing military support for Ukraine. However, there is a legal framework that limits the EU’s ability to purchase weapons under its treaties, complicating Trump’s assertions. While EU member nations are indeed sending weapons to Ukraine, they are doing so with provisions set up through the European Peace Facility to replenish their own military stocks.
The situation on the ground is dire. Russia has relentlessly bombarded Ukrainian cities, with June marking the deadliest month yet, recording 232 civilian deaths and 1,343 injuries, according to the U.N. human rights mission in Ukraine. The data indicates a tenfold increase in drone and missile attacks compared to the same period last year.
As Russia continues its military operations, it appears to be intensifying efforts to break through Ukrainian defenses along the extensive front line.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a prominent Trump ally, echoed sentiments that the conflict is at a critical juncture. He emphasized Trump’s increasing resolve to assist Ukraine against Russia’s full-scale invasion, a position that Trump had previously dismissed as an unnecessary expenditure of U.S. taxpayer money.
“In the coming days, you’ll see weapons flowing at a record level to help Ukraine defend themselves,” Graham stated during an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” He continued by highlighting what he believes to be a significant strategic error on Putin’s part in underestimating Trump’s intentions in the conflict.
“You just watch, in the coming days and weeks, there’s going to be a massive effort to get Putin to the table,” Graham asserted.
Conversely, Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s envoy for international investment and a participant in past talks with U.S. officials, downplayed the prospect of a shift in U.S.-Russia relations. He cautioned against attempts to create discord between Moscow and Washington, emphasizing the effectiveness of constructive dialogue over strained communication.
Dmitriev stated, “Constructive dialogue between Russia and the United States is more effective than doomed-to-fail attempts at pressure,” affirming that this dialogue would endure despite ongoing efforts to disrupt it.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s visit to Washington coincides with the heightened activity surrounding Ukraine, as he plans to meet with key U.S. officials, including Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Discussions during Kellogg’s visit to Kyiv are expected to focus on a broad range of topics, including defense, sanctions, and enhancing cooperation between Ukraine and the United States. Andrii Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, emphasized, “Russia does not want a ceasefire. Peace through strength is President Donald Trump’s principle, and we support this approach.”
As the situation escalates, Russia has recently launched significant aerial strikes in Ukraine, with reports indicating civilian casualties from these attacks. An early Monday morning strike in the Shostka area resulted in two fatalities, along with multiple injuries, including that of a child.
Beyond this, Russia claimed to have intercepted several Ukrainian drones attempting to breach its airspace. These developments highlight the ongoing volatility of the conflict that reverberates well beyond the immediate region.
image source from：nbcwashington
