Moscow Questions US Negotiation Strategy as Trump Warns of ‘Devastating’ Financial Penalties
Washington DC [US], March 14: In a surprising diplomatic twist, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Russia-Ukraine negotiations, Keith Kellogg, has been excluded from high-level peace talks, reportedly because Russian President Vladimir Putin deemed him “too pro-Ukraine.”
📌 Russia Blocks Kellogg from Key Negotiations
🔹 According to an NBC News report citing a Russian official, Kellogg was absent from the US-Russia summit in Riyadh on February 18 due to Moscow’s reservations about his stance on Ukraine.
🔹 The former US general, confirmed as Trump’s envoy for Russia-Ukraine negotiations in January 2024, was also missing from the latest US-Ukraine discussions in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, where National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukrainian officials.
🔹 Despite Kellogg’s absence, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal presented by the Trump administration, contingent on Russia’s commitment to the plan.
🚨 Trump’s Special Envoy Lands in Moscow for High-Stakes Talks
On Thursday, another key Trump envoy, Steve Witkoff, along with a US delegation, arrived in Moscow to advance negotiations.
📌 Shortly after Witkoff’s arrival, Putin made a significant statement, acknowledging his support for halting hostilities but stressing that several “issues need to be discussed.”
📌 Putin also hinted at a potential phone call with Trump, as reported by Russian state media agency TASS.
📌 The next steps in the conflict resolution process, Putin added, will depend on how the situation evolves on the ground.
🇺🇦 Zelenskyy Calls Russia’s Ceasefire Conditions a “Manipulation”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism over Moscow’s commitment to the ceasefire, alleging that Russia is introducing preconditions designed to stall progress.
📢 “Putin is crowding the ceasefire proposal with demands meant to delay or derail progress,” Zelenskyy said, warning of potential bad faith negotiations from Russia’s side.
🔥 Trump Warns of “Devastating” Financial Penalties for Russia
🔹 In response to Moscow’s approach, Trump issued a strong warning from the Oval Office after meeting NATO Secretary John Bolton, stating that if Russia rejects the ceasefire, it will face “devastating financial penalties.”
🔹 Trump’s remarks reflect growing frustration within the White House as the administration pushes for a breakthrough in the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict.
📢 “Russia will determine its next steps, but if they turn down this proposal, they should be ready for severe consequences,” Trump added.
🔖 Tags:
Russia-Ukraine War, Keith Kellogg, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Ukraine Ceasefire, Russia-US Relations, NATO, Moscow Peace Talks, Steve Witkoff, US Diplomacy, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Financial Sanctions, Ukraine Peace Deal