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New York Post
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Trump to make major announcement on Russia — as Ukraine Envoy Keith Kellogg arrives in Kyiv at height of Putin's brutality
KYIV, Ukraine — President Trump is expected to announce decisive action on Russia — which could include arming Ukraine with powerful new weapons — as Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg arrived in Kyiv at arguably the height of Moscow's brutality. Trump is expected to make a major announcement Monday about Russia's war on Ukraine, after he already announced Sunday that the US would sell critically needed Patriot air-defense systems to the country. 7 Trump is expected to make a major announcement Monday about Russia's war on Ukraine. Advertisement Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on Sunday added that the Monday announcement could include new military aid for Ukraine. 'In the coming days, you'll see weapons flowing at a record level to help Ukraine defend themselves,' Graham said. 'One of the biggest miscalculations Putin has made is to play Trump. And you just watch, in the coming days and weeks, there's going to be a massive effort to get Putin to the table.' Advertisement As part of the administration's efforts to end Putin's war machine, Kellogg is in Ukraine this week for discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders. 'We discussed the path to peace and what we can practically do together to bring it closer,' Zelensky said of a meeting with Kellogg in a post to X early Monday. 7 Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Yermak (left) greeting Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg (right). 7 Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) with US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg (R) prior to their talks in Kyiv. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/AFP via Getty Images Advertisement 'This includes strengthening Ukraine's air defense, joint production and procurement of defensive weapons in collaboration with Europe.' 'We hope for US leadership, as it is clear that Moscow will not stop unless its unreasonable ambitions are curbed through strength.' A retired Army general who served as chief of staff to Trump's first-term National Security Council, 81-year-old Kellogg arrived in Kyiv on Monday. A Post reporter was on board with him as he showed no fear when the train pulled away from a station in eastern Poland, bound for the heart of the war — and just Advertisement 'Eh, we'll be in a big city. Don't worry about it,' he told The Post, when asked if he was nervous about entering Ukraine days after Moscow launched its largest drone barrage yet, with more than 700 in a single night. 7 Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on social issues, in Moscow, Russia. via REUTERS It's this stalwart leadership and stoicism that binds both the envoy and his boss. Kellogg said that in a phone call a day before the trip, Trump said the US must be 'strong' in the face of Putin's increasing savagery and unwillingness to listen to American sensibility, the envoy said. 'I spoke to the president yesterday morning and I said, 'Hey, sir, I'm not afraid,'' the general said of his trip. On Sunday night, Trump told reporters he would let Ukraine buy Patriot air-defense systems from the US because Putin 'talks nice but then he bombs everybody in the evening.' But even the big cities in Ukraine have been hammered throughout this nearly 3.5-year-old war — and particularly so within the past week and a half. What's more, there remained a good 12 hours before the train would even reach Kyiv. With the skies over Ukraine contested, the only way to the capital is by land. Advertisement 7 A retired Army general who served as chief of staff to Trump's first-term National Security Council, 81-year-old Kellogg arrived in Kyiv on Monday. That means chugging along the train tracks winding through the entirety of western Ukraine — with a brief stop near Lviv, a major city slammed with incessant drone strikes just two days prior in a barrage that included more that 500 drones in one night. Taking an overnight train meant risking travel during Russia's favorite time to attack Ukraine. Still, the retired general was undeterred. 'They live with this every day,' he said of Ukrainians who have remained in the country, continuing their lives as the largest war in Europe since WWII rages through their homeland. Advertisement As the evening progressed, there was a sense that something may be shifting in the US' game plan for handling Putin. While Trump nobly committed the first sixth months of his second term in office to finding a diplomatic end to the war, it has become increasingly clear to the White House that the Russian dictator does not seek peace, officials tell The Post. Putin also made that evident in a phone call with Trump earlier this month, according to sources familiar with the call. While the president largely leaned on his diplomats and Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff early on to push Moscow toward peace, Trump took matters into his own hands recently, hoping his longstanding relationship with Putin could sway the dictator to lay down arms. Advertisement 7 White House special envoy Steve Witkoff (R), Donald Trump Jr. (center) and Bettina Anderson (L). AP But when Trump personally asked Putin to agree to a cease-fire — something to which the president successfully got Ukraine to agree roughly four months ago — the Russian president refused, sources familiar with the call told The Post. Trump has since made his growing frustration with Putin known through multiple recent statements — notably calling him out for 'bulls–tting' the American people. 'A lot of people are dying and it should end,' he said July 8. 'We get a lot of bulls–t thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth.' Advertisement 'He's very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.' Kellogg acknowledged the president's frustration Sunday night, telling The Post that Trump does not stand for being 'played' or strung along. 'I think he now realizes that Putin is not a business partner,' he said. 7 But when Trump personally asked Putin to agree to a cease-fire — something to which the president successfully got Ukraine to agree roughly four months ago — the Russian president refused. For months, Trump has hinted at Putin being less than genuine in his dealings with Americans — notably revealing in April that it felt as if Russia was 'tapping [him] along.' But recently, his narrative has begun to shift. 'We will send [Ukraine] Patriots, which they desperately need, because Putin really surprised a lot of people,' Trump said of his plans to help Kyiv counter Russia's refusal to obey calls for a cease-fire. 'I don't like it.' 'We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment. They are going to pay us 100% for that, and that's the way we want it.' It comes after he described a phone call he had on July 4 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as having been 'strategic' — a call Zelensky described as the 'best' he'd had in recent memory. Then last week, he said he would have an announcement to make on Monday regarding US efforts to end the war. On Friday, he told a reporter who asked about Moscow's recent targeting of a Ukrainian maternity hospital that he would be taking action. 'Oh, I know. You'll be seeing things happen,' he shot back at the reporter. Kellogg said he looked forward to hearing what Trump would say Monday, but did not disclose whether he knew what was to come. 'There's a lot more we can do,' he said. In addition to military aid, the US could also target Russia's main source of income — oil exports — with a bill pending in Congress that would levy 500% tariffs on any country that purchases it from Moscow.
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
If Trump finally sides with Ukraine against Putin, he may deserve hero's welcome in Scotland
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Two weeks ago, Vladimir Putin's forces fired a record number of missiles and drones at Ukraine. Last week, it broke that grim new record and now it has done so once again, with a total of 728 drones and decoys plus 13 ballistic or cruise missiles. These escalating attacks show Russia's lip-service to the idea of peace talks for what it was. Putin was never interested in peace and continues to think he can take Ukraine by force. Western military analysts assess Russia is boosting its drone manufacturing facilities and could soon be capable of launching 1,000 drones a night at Ukraine. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a social media post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote that 'there have been so many attempts to achieve peace... and only Russia rejects everything'. He urged countries to impose 'painful sanctions against oil, which has been pumping money into Moscow's military machine for more than three years of war'. 'The partners [other supportive countries] know how to put pressure so that Russia will be forced to think about ending the war, and not new strikes. Everyone who wants peace must act," he added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with US President Donald Trump in the Vatican in April, when world leaders gathered for the funeral of Pope Francis (Picture: Office of the President of Ukraine) | Office of the President of Ukrai Scales falling from Trump's eyes? It's a message he will hope Donald Trump hears. The US President's appalling attacks on Zelensky – incorrectly calling him a 'dictator', falsely claiming Ukraine started the war, and publicly upbraiding him in the White House – have prompted fears he is a member of what former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney describes as her party's 'Putin wing'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, although his repeated flip-flopping makes him hard to read, Trump's recent complaints that 'we get a lot of bulls*** thrown at us by Putin' and 'he's very nice to us all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless' could be a sign that the scales are finally falling from his eyes.
New York Post
08-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Zelensky's right-hand man thanks Trump for reversing Pentagon aid freeze, calls him ‘only leader' who can end Russia's invasion
The top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly thanked President Trump during an exclusive interview with The Post Tuesday for stepping in to reverse a Pentagon decision to pause aid to Kyiv, hailing the US president's commitment to 'peace through strength.' Andriy Yermak — the equivalent in Ukraine to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles — said the US president's Monday night announcement was 'very well received in Ukraine, especially after very [a] substantial phone conversation' between Trump and Zelensky on Friday. The Pentagon's sudden decision to halt shipments to Ukraine surprised Kyiv, particularly because it was out of step with Trump's sentiments during the call, which Zelensky heralded as one of the best the two leaders have ever held. During the conversation, Trump 'indeed said that he's fully supportive of continuation of the aid to Ukraine and indeed, he said that he understands the situation,' according to Yermak, who listened in. 5 Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, speaks during a news conference at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. AP 'He was quite disturbed by recent strikes — they've been happening for more than three years — but by recent strikes, murders with drones and missiles that fall in Ukrainian cities, including the capital of Ukraine,' he added. 'Absolutely, [Trump and Zelensky] are united in this. These two leaders definitely want peace, and they are absolutely against the killing.' Trump told reporters during a cabinet meeting Tuesday he did not know who at the Pentagon made the unilateral decision to stop the flowing assistance previously approved by Congress. 'I don't know, you tell me,' Trump shot back at a journalist who inquired about the halt. However, administration officials have told The Post that the move originated, at least in part, with Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, who has a long track record of promoting isolationist policies. Colby's defenders — including ousted ex-Defense Department adviser Dan Caldwell — have claimed that the decision was made by the president before Trump made clear Tuesday that wasn't the case. 5 President Trump during a Cabinet meeting on July 8, 2025 said he did not know who at the Pentagon ordered a halt in US aid to Ukraine, which he later reversed. Aaron Schwartz – Pool via CNP / MEGA Asked how the pause affected Ukraine's defense, Yermak said Kyiv is 'not here to complain.' 'We're here to make things happen. Good deals — that's what matters,' he said. 'But let's be honest: when Russia launches over a hundred Shahed drones] almost every night, along with ballistic and cruise missiles, any delay in deliveries becomes a real concern.' 'It's not about headlines — it's about people waking up to explosions. It's about keeping morale strong.' Kyiv is now confident that Trump and Zelensky's relationship will continue to grow, particularly as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to 'bulls—' the president, as Trump revealed Tuesday. 'A lot of people are dying and it should end,' the president complained. 'We get a lot of bulls— thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. He's very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.' 5 Flames and smoke billow from buildings during mass Russian drones and missile strikes on Ukraine's capital of Kyiv on July 4, 2025. AFP via Getty Images Yermak called the president's firm words about the Russian leader encouraging. 'We've seen President Trump's recent messaging on Ukraine — and frankly, we're impressed,' he said. 'No exaggeration. The clarity, the leadership, the determination — we truly appreciate it.' Yermak is optimistic that Trump will continue his support for Ukraine, which may soon be seen again with a pending bill that Kyiv believes would deliver the most impactful Russian sanctions package to date. 'Drawing parallels with golf, this is like a hole-in-one,' Yermak said of the bill sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). 'It's a drive that does not happen frequently, but it hits the hole.' 5 A fire rages after a Russian attack on Odesa, Ukraine on July 7, 2025. AP The bill would slap 500% tariffs on countries — including China and India — that still import Russian oil, the key source of Moscow's income. 'We believe that the adoption of this legislation will deprive Russia of around $60 billion by the end of this year,' Yermak said. '… It seems to me that this serves also as a moment to reconsider trade priorities in the world — you know, they are buying these things that help Russia continue the war and kill people. 'Let them (instead) buy American energy resources. That's a win-win situation.' 5 Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump's relationship has been growing substantially through recent conversations, Kyiv says. via REUTERS Yermak went on say that Trump is the 'only leader here, in today's world, who can influence' Russia to end its 40-month-old war on Ukraine. 'We would be happy if in this war with Russia against Ukraine, President Trump helps us to achieve a just and strong, durable peace,' he said. 'His pressure is working, pressure — not only in relation to the military aid, but also, I think, a sanctions pressure. 'Indeed, today, he's the only leader who can make Putin move not just to this imitation of the negotiations, but real negotiations.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Austrian ambassador begins diplomatic mission in Ukraine
The new Austrian ambassador to Ukraine, Robert Müller, presented his credentials to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 13 June, marking the official start of his mission. Source: Office of the President of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy received Müller's credentials on Friday. During their meeting, Zelenskyy thanked Austria for its humanitarian and financial assistance since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as for providing medical treatment and holidays for Ukrainian children. Zelenskyy and Müller also discussed the potential involvement of Austrian businesses in Ukraine's post-war recovery and the development of bilateral cooperation. Background: Müller arrived in Ukraine on 2 May. He succeeded Arad Benkö, who had headed Austria's diplomatic mission in Kyiv since January 2023. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Presidents of Ukraine, Romania and Moldova hold first meeting in trilateral format
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Romanian President Nicușor Dan have held their first trilateral meeting. Source: press service for the Office of the President of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy, Dan and Sandu held a separate meeting on the sidelines of the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit, which took place on 11 June in Odesa. The main topics of discussion were regional security, countering hybrid threats and cyber security, energy security, cross-border cooperation, logistics connectivity, military and technical cooperation and European integration. Reports say there was considerable discussion about supporting Moldova, whose situation is seen as key to regional stability. The strengthening of sanctions against Russia and coordinated efforts to compel the Kremlin to agree to a just peace were also discussed. Quote from the press service: "The parties also addressed support for the shared European Union membership aspirations of Ukraine and Moldova. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine and Moldova are moving forward together on this path, and no one should be allowed to divide the countries in the negotiation process." More details: In addition, they discussed infrastructure projects, including the construction of a motorway connecting Ukraine, Moldova and Romania, as well as the development of the region's railway infrastructure. Ukraine proposed appointing coordinators at the level of foreign ministers for permanent interactions in this format. Dan's arrival at the summit in Odesa is one of his first foreign visits, following his inaugural trip to Chișinău. Romania is known as one of the strongest supporters of Moldova's accession to the European Union. Background: Moldova may overtake Ukraine in the process of joining the EU and start negotiations separately due to Hungary's blocking of such steps for Ukraine. However, the EU still hopes to convince Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the coming weeks while preparing a plan B. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
