The United States will push for a ceasefire in Ukraine before starting peace talks and for direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. This was stated by the special representative of US President Donald Trump for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, in an interview with the New York Post.
He emphasized that the main goal of the US is to stop the killings and only then begin discussing the terms of a peaceful settlement. In his view, violence must be halted before addressing more complex issues in negotiations.
Kellogg also noted that for successful negotiations, both sides must make concessions. He stated that the war will not end without direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, during which an agreement could be reached that benefits both parties. He cited the end of the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, when US President Theodore Roosevelt acted as a mediator and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
Kellogg also stressed that the US could intensify sanctions against Russia’s oil sector to pressure Russia and push it toward negotiations. He stated that existing sanctions could be significantly strengthened.
