According to media reports Vladimir Putin made it clear that he did not want to negociate with Keith Kellogg. According to people around the Kremlin, it was biased and stood on the side of Kiev. Kellogg publically criticized the shooting of Ukrainian cities at the last Christmas. Before the talks between Trump and Putin scheduled for Tuesday 18 November, the question arises who truly has something to say in the peace negotiations.
The main player in the American camp is now Steve Witkoff — Trump's trusted man has been doing real work for any time. Billionaire and fresh York's tycoon on the luxury real property marketplace was appointed a peculiar envoy at the same time as Kellogg. A 68-year-old lawyer was to be liable for the mediate East.
After he rapidly negotiated an agreement between Israel and Hamas on the release of hostages from the Gaza Strip, Trump besides handed over Ukraine to him.
“The Art of Doing Business”
Trump's post on the fact Social platform was short. He appeared on Saturday between the announcement about US military operation initiated against Iran-supported Yemeni Huti rebels and news of the U.S. president winning the tournament on his own golf course in West Palm Beach. The Communication reads: “General Kellogg, a highly respected military expert, will be straight liable for contacts with president Volodymyr Zelenski and Ukrainian leaders. He knows them well and has a very good working relationship. Congratulations to General Kellogg!’.
The retired general received these congratulations as a slap, for they are indeed a degradation. Trump appointed him as a peculiar envoy for Ukraine in late November, but besides for Russia. "Together we will guarantee peace through strength and make America and the planet safe," the Republican announced.
Trump is now following the principles set out in his book “Art of the Deal”. These are: keeping the another side in the negotiations in suspense, tightening the screw, exerting maximum force at the right time and a clear thought of what the end consequence must be. In the case of Ukraine, these are material benefits for the US, for example in the form of a planned contract for valuable natural materials and possibly future purchases of arms by Kiev.
Trump's goal, which the president of the United States has repeatedly raised, is to decision to past as a “peacekeeper”.
On the advice of Trump it was not Kellogg, and Witkoff went to Moscow in mid-February to lead to release of American teacher Mark Fogelwho has been in Russian prison for 3 years. His return to the US was seen as a motion from Putin and a signal to start talks on Ukraine.
Trump again side with Russia
Last week Witkoff again went to Moscow to talk to Putin about a 30-day ceasefire negotiated with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on 11 March, in which he was besides involved. Kellogg was not present in Moscow or on talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The second were attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National safety Advisor Mark Waltz, whose function is primarily to keep open lines with European allies.
Freddie Everett / U.S. State Department / Upi photograph via Newscom / PAPFrom the left: U.S. envoy to the mediate East Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National safety Advisor Mike Waltz participate in a gathering with Saudi abroad Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, National safety Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, Russian President's abroad Policy Advisor Yuri Uszakov and Russian abroad Minister Sergei Lavrow, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 18 February 2025.
In Moscow, Putin presented the terms of the ceasefire to Witkoff, which are completely unacceptable from the Ukrainian perspective.
Trump, however, feels force to fulfill his promise of fast peace.At the same time, he knows that Putin's demands prevent any agreement with Ukraine. Therefore, the president of the United States puts aside any obstacles that could impede any possible advancement from the Russian perspective, in this peculiar case — Kellogga. The fact that Trump is one more time side with Russia does not substance to the president of the United States.
On the weekend, Witkoff explained on American tv that talks on Ukraine are complex on many levels. He described his encounter with Putin as “positive”. He besides expressed the belief that the positions of both parties are now closer than ever. erstwhile asked erstwhile the agreement could be reached, Witkoff remained cautious. He stressed that the president of the United States said it could take weeks. “ I agree with him on this,” he replied.
