US special envoy Kellogg on Russia, Ukraine, and path to normalised relations Interview with The Telegraph

US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg discussed the circumstances under which Washington and Moscow could normalise relations in an interview with The Telegraph, offering candid insights on Russia’s actions in Ukraine and broader geopolitical risks.

Asked about former Vice President Mike Pence’s warning that Russia could target a NATO country if it conquered Ukraine, Kellogg did not hesitate. He described Putin and Russia as an expansionist power, intent on re-establishing influence over former territories.

Drawing historical parallels, he compared the situation in Ukraine to pre-World War II aggression in Europe, emphasising the importance of stopping Putin before further escalation occurs.

Kellogg also addressed whether Putin should face trial as a war criminal. He stated that such decisions are for The Hague to determine, supporting fair trials while noting his scepticism that the Russian president would ever be held accountable. “It has been disappointing to see many nations giving him a pass,” he said.

On recent provocations, Kellogg characterised the firing of 19 unarmed drones by Russia into Poland as deliberate. He explained that the attacks, occurring over six hours, were a test of Western response. “If it had all happened at once, maybe you could call it an accident. But six hours of drones? That’s a test – a way to see what the West would do,” he said, stressing that such actions must be confronted decisively.

Kellogg also commented on Putin’s nuclear rhetoric, arguing that aggressive boasts must be met with firm responses. He referenced former President Trump’s exchanges with North Korea, illustrating how raising the stakes can compel authoritarian leaders to exercise restraint.

The envoy expressed concern about Russia’s emerging alliances with China, Iran, and North Korea, describing them as a growing global threat. “Before, we kept them separated, but now they’ve all raised their heads. We haven’t had a good plan yet to react to that,” he noted.

Regarding prospects for US-Russia relations, Kellogg said any normalisation would depend on a post-Putin scenario. “Until Russia rejoins the league of good nations, it remains a pariah,” he said. He described the current situation as one in which the Trump administration is giving Russia latitude while retaining strategic leverage to bring it to the negotiating table.

On Ukraine, Kellogg stressed that any territorial decisions belong entirely to Kyiv. He acknowledged the reality of Russian occupation in Donetsk and Luhansk but emphasised that de facto control does not equate to de jure recognition.

He drew parallels with the US never recognising Soviet control of the Baltics, underscoring Ukraine’s sovereign authority to determine its own future.

By Tamilla Hasanova