A Pause in U.S. Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine: Kellogg Says Ukrainians "Brought It On Themselves"
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who serves as President Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has asserted that the recent pause in U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine was a deliberate move to "get their attention." In a blunt analogy, Kellogg compared the impact of the pause to "hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose," emphasizing the gravity of the decision. The intelligence shared by the U.S. has been instrumental in enabling Ukrainian forces to target Russian military assets effectively and anticipate potential attacks. Kellogg, however, clarified that the pause is temporary and not a complete halt, stating, "It’s sort of like, okay, we’re trying to get your attention."
This decision has sparked significant debate, with critics arguing that the pause undermines Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression. CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan pointed out that this move could be seen as a concession to Russia, potentially weakening Ukraine’s position on the battlefield. She noted that the pressure from the U.S. seems to be directly impacting Ukraine’s military capabilities.
A Contentious Meeting and the Pause in Intelligence Sharing
The pause in intelligence sharing followed a tense meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Trump at the White House. The meeting, which was intended to finalize a rare earth minerals deal, ended in recrimination instead. Zelenskyy reportedly reminded Trump and Vice President JD Vance of the treaties violated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, while the U.S. leaders criticized Zelenskyy for not expressing sufficient gratitude for American military aid.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed the pause in intelligence sharing, which has raised concerns about its implications for Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. Kellogg, however, indicated that intelligence sharing could resume once Ukraine demonstrates its commitment to the minerals agreement. He stated, "Sign a document, and then once you sign the document that you want to go forward, that you’re serious about it, then I think you can move forward."
The Role of U.S. Diplomats in Ukraine-Russia Relations
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to sign the rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine, while Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Witkoff recently held a three-and-a-half-hour meeting with Putin in Russia, returning with insights into Russia’s stance on peace negotiations. Kellogg emphasized that the U.S. seeks to engage both Ukraine and Russia in discussions to find a resolution to the conflict.
However, Kellogg dismissed the idea of using the Istanbul protocol—a framework drafted shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—as a basis for peace negotiations. He described it as merely a "departure point" and argued that a new framework is needed. The Institute for the Study of War has also criticized the Istanbul protocol, calling it incompatible with U.S. policy and asserting that it would require Ukraine to surrender its sovereignty.
The Impact of the Intelligence Pause and Military Aid
Despite the pause in intelligence sharing, Kellogg expressed confidence that Ukraine has sufficient military aid to continue fighting through the summer. He stated, "They have an ability with the assets they’ve got to continue to prosecute the fight, to do it." However, he refrained from confirming whether the U.S. would provide security guarantees to backstop European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine as part of a potential peace agreement.
Kellogg also acknowledged the need for stricter enforcement of sanctions against Russia, describing current enforcement efforts as inadequate. He said, "If you ranked U.S. sanctions against Russia on a scale of 1 to 7, we’re probably at a 3." He emphasized that the enforcement of sanctions, rather than the sanctions themselves, is the key to their effectiveness.
The Broader Strategy: Resetting U.S.-Russia Relations
Kellogg outlined the Trump administration’s broader strategy in the region, which includes resetting relations with Russia to secure American national interests and avoid further entanglement in a proxy war. He acknowledged the complexity of the conflict and the need for a multifaceted approach, encompassing both military and economic measures.
Overall, Kellogg’s remarks highlight the Trump administration’s efforts to balance its support for Ukraine with its broader geopolitical goals, including improved relations with Russia. The pause in intelligence sharing serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in this delicate diplomatic and military landscape. As the situation continues to evolve, the interplay between U.S. policy, Ukrainian resolve, and Russian aggression will remain a critical focus for international observers.
