A special representative for US President Donald Trump, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, arrived in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, on Monday. His visit comes as many expect a significant shift in America's approach to Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for over three years.
In recent times, President Trump has ramped up his efforts to end the war. He has shown increasing impatience with Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to back down. "He talks nice and then he bombs everybody," Trump said on Sunday, reported AP
According to The Week, in a major policy change, Trump confirmed the US will send American-made Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine. This move is intended to help Ukraine protect itself from Russia's escalating air attacks. Previously, Trump had questioned the amount of US taxpayer money being spent on the conflict.
According to AP, Andrii Yermak, a senior official in Ukraine's presidential office, said that talks with Kellogg will focus on defense, weapons, and stronger cooperation between the two nations. "Russia does not want a cease-fire. Peace through strength is President Donald Trump's principle, and we support this approach," Yermak stated.
Reportedly, the visit and the new missile shipment suggest that the Trump administration is taking a more aggressive stance to force an end to the conflict. Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, said Sunday that the war is approaching a critical moment.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is also scheduled to be in Washington to hold discussions with Trump and other high-level American officials.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, escalating a conflict that began in 2014. The United States has been a key military and financial backer of Ukraine, but the level of support has been a subject of intense political debate.
