Staff Reports
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently boasted about a “productive meeting” with retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who played the role of President Donald Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia. This cordial encounter seems to have dialed down the escalating tensions surrounding negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, punctuated by Zelensky’s earlier gripes about Trump’s stance. The Ukrainian leader took to social media to express gratitude toward the United States for its assistance, emphasizing the importance of American strength in the global arena.
During their discussions, Zelensky and Kellogg exchanged “important details” about crucial matters, ranging from the ongoing battlefield status to the return of prisoners of war. Zelensky insisted that Ukraine had been after “peace” since the onset of the conflict, although one has to wonder how “strong and lasting” that peace can be if it’s contingent upon negotiations with Russia. Despite his insistence on desires for peace, the Ukrainian president showcased an eagerness to secure American investment and security commitments, a clear hint that he sees the U.S. as a necessary partner in addressing the military situation.
Trump's own man… Kellogg… responsible for negotiations on Ukraine, himself said the money and aid was well tracked in Ukraine on the ground by Americans. And that what Zelensky said did not arrive was spent on the US side of the equation in the USA. pic.twitter.com/W5a8mcsniH
— Aberaeron 🇪🇺🇨🇦🇬🇱🏴🇩🇰🇺🇦🇫🇷 (@ItsFullOfFellas) February 17, 2025
However, amidst the positive spin and sunshine rhetoric, some telling drama unfolded during this diplomatic ballet. Although a joint press conference was originally planned to showcase the warmth between Kellogg and Zelensky, it was dropped last minute, leaving only a perfunctory photo op for the waiting media. The White House’s silence on why this public appearance was scrapped raises eyebrows. It appears that even in the coordinated charm offensive of Washington and Kyiv, things may not be as smooth as they are portrayed.
Interestingly, Kellogg’s journey didn’t end in Ukraine. He made a stop in Brussels, where he had a tête-à-tête with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Europeans have made their disdain for Trump well-known, particularly as they reacted to his point-blank descriptions of Zelensky as a “dictator.” Von der Leyen assured Kellogg of the EU’s ongoing military support for Ukraine, all while insisting that any peace talks must include a robust security guarantee for Zelensky’s government. It seems the Europeans want their fingerprints on the diplomacy, even if it requires sounding the alarm bells.
In essence, Kellogg’s presence and communications indicate a palpable tension between the EU’s aspirations and the American “America First” doctrine. While the EU is keen to project a united front against Russian aggression, they are undeniably waiting on the U.S. to take the lead regarding troop deployments. The negotiations remain embedded in a web of prior conflicts and misunderstandings. With a mix of transactional support and a desire for principled internationalism, countries are left tip-toeing around the growing complexities, hoping to find a resolution that doesn’t solely serve the ambitions of one party while alienating another.
