Trump Envoy Meets Zelenskyy in Kyiv Amid Evolving US Policy

Kyiv, Jul 14 (AP) — In a move that suggests a possible change in the Trump administration's policy on the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump's special envoy to Ukraine and Russia met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Monday. Zelenskyy described his discussion with retired Lt Gen Keith Kellogg as "productive," focusing on enhancing Ukrainian air defenses, collaborating on arms production, and procuring US weapons in partnership with European nations. They also deliberated on implementing stricter international sanctions against the Kremlin. Moscow will not halt its ambitions unless countered by force, Zelenskyy stated on Telegram, expressing hopes for US leadership.

Trump, having promised a "major statement" about Russia on the same day, has prioritized quickly ending the war. However, his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin's resistant stance on peace initiatives has escalated. Despite formerly boasting of his amicable rapport with Putin and suggesting Russia’s willingness for peace unlike Ukraine, Trump's tone shifted as Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civilians persisted, calling Putin's actions "absolutely CRAZY!" and expressing disappointment in his failure to hold to promises. "He'll talk so beautifully and then he'll bomb people at night. We don't like that," Trump lamented. In a bid to bolster Ukraine’s defense, the US will supply more Patriot air defense missiles, with financial backing from the European Union for these advanced weapons. Though EU treaties restrict it from directly purchasing arms, member countries are supporting the initiative, with Germany offering to finance additional Patriot systems. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was slated to meet with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington, as Germany, having already equipped Ukraine with three Patriot systems, discusses further aid.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a staunch ally of Trump, noted the conflict is reaching a critical juncture, with Trump increasingly advocating for military aid to Ukraine—an approach he previously dismissed. "In the coming days, you'll see weapons flowing at a record level to help Ukraine," Graham stated on CBS' "Face the Nation," suggesting a new earnestness to compel Putin into negotiations.

Meanwhile, Kirill Dmitriev, Putin's envoy, emphasized the importance of dialogue between Russia and the US, despite ongoing tensions. In related developments, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was set to visit Washington for discussions with Trump and other US officials, amid reports of continued Russian strikes in northern Ukraine's Sumy region, resulting in casualties, including children. The Russian Defence Ministry announced intercepting Ukrainian drones over its territory and annexed regions. (AP) SCY SCY

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