Delay of Trump envoy's visit signals deeper US strategy in Ukraine
The advisor to the President of Ukraine, Mykhailo Podolyak, stated that the postponement of the visit by Donald Trump’s special envoy, General Keith Kellogg, to Kyiv is a positive signal. It indicates that the U.S. is searching for tools to influence Russia.
In an interview with Ukrainian television, Mykhailo Podolyak stated that the postponement of Kellogg's visit indicates that Donald Trump's administration has developed a strong understanding of the nature of the ongoing conflict.
Podolyak clearly understood Russia's motives and acknowledged that it is unrealistic to request Russia and expect compliance. He stressed the importance of identifying concrete measures to exert significant influence on the Russian Federation and described the postponement as a positive development.
Reuters reported that Donald Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia, General Keith Kellogg, postponed his trip to Kyiv and other European capitals until after the new U.S. president's inauguration. The visit was initially planned for early January, but the final date has not yet been set.
According to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that the delay in Kellogg's visit suggests the Trump administration is thoroughly analyzing information from intelligence agencies, think tanks, and other sources. He noted that they are increasingly focusing on understanding the nature of the conflict, exploring possible solutions, and evaluating feasible actions.
General Kellogg, who served in advisory roles during Trump's first term, is to be a key official responsible for implementing the promise to end Russia's war against Ukraine. In discussions with the media, Kellogg advocated for freezing the conflict and- at least temporarily- excluding—at least temporarily—Ukraine's NATO membership while offering security guarantees.
Donald Trump, who promised a swift end to the war during his election campaign, admitted in December that it might be more challenging than he had assumed. After meeting with the Ukrainian president, Trump stated that Kyiv is ready to make peace and urged Vladimir Putin to "act."
