Kellogg Discusses U.S. Intelligence Sharing Pause with Ukraine
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who served as President Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, recently addressed the halt in U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine, stating that the Ukrainians may bear some responsibility for the situation. During an interview with CBS News, Kellogg described the pause as a tactic intended to prompt Ukrainian leaders to take certain actions.
Impact of the Intelligence Pause
Kellogg conveyed that the halt in intelligence sharing is akin to “hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose,” highlighting its significant effect on the battlefield. He emphasized that the U.S. has been instrumental in providing intelligence that enables Ukraine to effectively target Russian military positions and guard against attacks. Despite the current pause, Kellogg reassured that this does not signify a permanent suspension of support, stating, “It’s a pause. It’s not an end.”
CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan noted that this development could severely limit Ukraine’s operational capabilities against Russian forces. Kellogg’s remarks included an assertion that Ukraine’s leadership had “brought it on themselves,” eliciting mixed reactions from the audience during the discussion.
Context of Intelligence Sharing and U.S.-Ukraine Relations
The pause followed a contentious meeting at the White House, during which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a heated dialogue with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The aim of the meeting was to finalize a rare earth minerals agreement, but it devolved into accusations regarding Ukraine’s failure to express gratitude for U.S. military assistance. Following this encounter, CIA Director John Ratcliffe acknowledged the suspension of intelligence sharing.
Kellogg indicated that the potential for resuming intelligence support remains, but he refrained from specifying a timeline, emphasizing that the decision lies with the U.S. president. Furthermore, he expressed willingness from the Trump administration to collaborate with Zelenskyy upon the finalization of the minerals agreement.
Future Engagements and Negotiations
In the wake of these developments, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to sign the minerals agreement with Ukraine. Additionally, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff plans to engage with Ukrainian officials in upcoming discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Witkoff previously met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed intentions to gather insights on the peace negotiation process with Russia.
While Kellogg clarified that existing proposed frameworks, like the Istanbul Protocol, do not align with current U.S. policy, he noted that any future peace discussions must explore new and equitable negotiation avenues. He cited the inadequacy of past agreements that would have compromised Ukraine’s sovereignty and military readiness.
Military Aid and Sanction Enforcement
Kellogg remains optimistic about Ukraine’s military capabilities, stating that they possess sufficient resources to sustain their efforts in the ongoing conflict. However, he declined to confirm any U.S. commitments to underwrite European peacekeeping initiatives within a potential peace accord.
Moreover, Kellogg highlighted the necessity for the United States to enforce sanctions against Russia more rigorously. He stated that, if rated on a scale from one to seven, the current enforcement level stands at approximately three, suggesting a significant gap in compliance and execution of existing policies.
Aiming for a Reset in U.S.-Russia Relations
Looking ahead, Kellogg emphasized the Trump administration’s desire to recalibrate U.S. relations with Russia, focusing on safeguarding American interests while avoiding prolonged conflict in Ukraine. He articulated the need for a strategic reset, centering the approach to end U.S. involvement in an “endless proxy war” while ensuring that sanctions against Russia serve their intended purpose more effectively.
As discussions continue, it remains essential for the U.S. and its allies to navigate these complexities in support of Ukraine, aiming for a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict.
