After a whirlwind two-day visit to Ukraine, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, is close to finalizing a rare-minerals agreement with the country under attack by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The deal would grant the United States rights to Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for the billions of dollars in support provided by the U.S. against Russia’s invasion. While the agreement is nearing completion, it is not a guarantee of future aid for Ukraine’s war with Russia. The White House wishes to stress this point, highlighting Ukraine’s ongoing existential war against Russia and the country’s efforts to counter Russia’s occupation as a test case for preserving the rule-based global order.
Kellogg visited wounded Ukrainian troops and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit, referring to Zelenskyy as a courageous leader. This comes in the midst of a war of words between Trump and Zelenskyy, with Trump previously criticizing Zelenskyy as a dictator without elections. However, Trump later walked back his comments, acknowledging that Putin had ordered the invasion of Ukraine. The minerals deal is seen as a strategic move to gain access to valuable resources, but it is not without challenges. The presence of Russian forces in Eastern Ukraine, where many of the mineral deposits are located, poses a significant obstacle to the deal’s success.
During his visit, Kellogg toured the Irpin Military Hospital, where Ukrainian troops were receiving treatments and prosthetics for injuries sustained in combat. He emphasized the importance of showing respect to those wounded in battle and expressed his support for Ukraine’s efforts to negotiate and bring an end to the ongoing conflict. Kellogg’s visit also included conversations with wounded soldiers, who expressed concerns about the trustworthiness of Russia in negotiations and the need for a strong army to ensure long-lasting peace in Ukraine. The death toll of the Ukraine-Russia war is staggering, with estimates suggesting nearly one million casualties.
Kellogg paid tribute to the soldiers who fought against Russian imperialism at the Irpin Bridge, a site where Ukrainian troops played a pivotal role in stopping Russia’s advance towards Kyiv by blowing up the bridge during the initial invasion. He praised the soldiers for their courage and heart in defending their country, highlighting the intangible qualities that ultimately saved Ukraine. The retired General emphasized the importance of acknowledging and respecting the sacrifices made by Ukrainian soldiers in the fight for freedom and independence. Kellogg’s visit to Ukraine is seen as a show of support for the country’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression and a gesture of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia poses a significant challenge to the region’s stability and security. With Russia’s military presence in Eastern Ukraine and the persistent threat of further aggression, finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict remains a top priority for all parties involved. Kellogg’s efforts to facilitate a rare-minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine are part of a broader strategy to support Ukraine in its struggle for independence and sovereignty. The outcome of the negotiations and the success of the deal will have far-reaching implications for the future of the region and the balance of power between Russia and Ukraine. As the war continues to claim lives and destabilize the region, finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict remains an urgent and pressing challenge for all involved parties.
