Former US Special Envoy to Ukraine and retired General Keith Kellogg has made a sharp statement in support of Ukrainian military operations targeting Russian oil refineries. According to him, Kyiv is waging a strategically correct fight by bringing the war onto the territory of the aggressor state and forcing Russians to feel the real consequences of the unleashed conflict.
Analysis of Moscow's Hidden Motives
General Kellogg expressed skepticism regarding the recent diesel agreement between Moscow and Washington announced on October 9. Under the deal, Russia is to supply up to 1.8 million tons of diesel to global markets in exchange for the US Treasury temporarily easing sanctions. Kellogg is convinced that Vladimir Putin is offering fuel not out of good intentions, but is attempting to reduce pressure and force Ukraine to halt its devastating strikes on oil infrastructure.
Differences in Tactics
Assessing the nature of hostilities, Keith Kellogg emphasized the fundamental difference between the targets chosen by the warring parties. Ukrainian forces strike pinpoint targets primarily within the military-industrial complex and energy sector, while Russian troops methodically destroy civilian objects, including schools and churches.
Contradictory Data
While General Kellogg openly supports refinery strikes and calls for the campaign to continue, the official stance of the White House under Donald Trump has often expressed skepticism. Trump has repeatedly urged Kyiv to abandon attacks on Russian energy assets, fearing a global fuel deficit and rising prices. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian authorities have taken a firm stance: strikes on refineries will continue until a sustainable energy truce is reached.
Prospects for a Protracted Conflict
Touching upon the overall dynamics of the war—which has lasted for five and a half years instead of the few days planned by the Kremlin—Kellogg noted the futility of Russia's ongoing attempts to capture the rest of the Donbas. The American general is confident that Kyiv will not stop under external pressure and will continue legitimate military actions until justice is restored.
