
Trump now heeding General Kellogg more than Witkoff — U.S. diplomat
U.S. President's Special Representatives Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg provide their assessments to Trump regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war, but they see the situation from fundamentally different perspectives
American diplomat William Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, said this in an interview with Studio West host Antin Borkovskyi on Espreso TV.
"Mr. Witkoff is a special envoy and has visited Moscow multiple times. As far as I know, he has not come to Kyiv, which means he lacks an understanding of the Ukrainian people’s determination and the depth of their struggle. It seems he listens too closely to what Putin tells him. One gets the impression that Witkoff actually believes what Putin says. After returning from Moscow, he appears in U.S. media and repeats narratives he clearly heard during talks with the Russian leader," the diplomat noted.
According to him, General Kellogg, by contrast, has spent significant time in Kyiv and has a deep understanding of Ukrainian society, its history, and its determination to win. Thus, there are two envoys with different experiences, mandates, and sources of information. Both General Kellogg and Steve Witkoff provide their assessments to President Trump, but they view the situation from fundamentally different perspectives.
"I believe that General Kellogg's views and voice are increasingly influencing President Trump, who has said he is disappointed, angry, and shocked by Putin’s behavior. He outright stated that President Putin has gone mad. In my opinion, this reaction is largely due to General Kellogg informing him about the determination and strength of the Ukrainian people. President Trump understands the tactics Putin is using - especially strikes on civilians - and sees them as signs of weakness. Meanwhile, Ukrainians are showing strength, resilience, and the will to win. That’s why I believe President Trump is now listening more to General Kellogg than to Witkoff," Taylor concluded.
- Russian leader rejects 22-point peace proposal from U.S., Ukraine, and Europe, prompting Witkoff to postpone Kremlin visit this week.
- At the end of May, U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg responded to Russia’s massive overnight attacks on Ukraine, calling them “shameful.”
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