During a Council on Foreign Relations discussion, Keith Kellogg, President Trump’s special envoy on Russia and Ukraine, suggested that Ukraine is responsible for the U.S. suspension of war aid, likening it to hitting a stubborn animal to gain attention. He argued that President Zelensky missed opportunities to finalize a key mineral rights deal, which was crucial for future security plans. Kellogg indicated that the aid pause should be temporary, urging Zelensky to sign the deal to resume support. He emphasized that Trump would ultimately decide on aid, also highlighting enforcement of sanctions against Russia as part of their strategy.
Washington:
An envoy from President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that Ukraine bears responsibility for the suspension of US war aid, likening the unexpected decision to striking a resistant farm animal with a stick.
Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general appointed by Trump as special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, indicated that President Volodymyr Zelensky had numerous chances to finalize a US mineral rights sharing agreement viewed as essential to an unclear post-war security strategy.
“To be quite frank, they have brought this upon themselves — the Ukrainians,” Kellogg commented at the Council on Foreign Relations.
The reduction of aid — crucial for Ukraine’s defense against the ongoing three-year Russian invasion — was intended as a brief, jarring wake-up call, according to him.
“The best analogy I can offer is akin to striking a mule with a two-by-four across the nose,” he remarked.
“You’ve captured their attention, and it’s obviously significant given the support we provide,” he added.
Kellogg mentioned that the pause in aid should be temporary until Zelensky agrees to the deal, while noting that the ultimate decision rests with Trump.
“The protocol is that you sign a document, and once you express your intent to proceed seriously, then I believe aid can resume,” he stated.
Zelensky traveled to Washington last week to sign an agreement requested by Trump, which would partially compensate the United States for billions of dollars in military assistance provided since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The meeting between the two leaders quickly deteriorated as Zelensky raised doubts about trusting Russian assurances. Trump and Vice President JD Vance responded angrily, accusing him of being ungrateful.
Kellogg maintained that the Trump administration was also pressing Russia to negotiate, including through the enforcement of sanctions on vessels engaged in oil sales.
“It’s not about having more options,” he remarked regarding Trump’s strategy for pressuring Russia. “It’s about enforcing the options that are available.”
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