Keith Kellogg's Warning on European Security
In an interview with PBS NewsHour's Compass Points, former special envoy to Donald Trump, Keith Kellogg, voiced apprehension about Europe's potential to act independently regarding Ukraine and reshape the continent's security framework. The full interview transcript is available on the Khvylya website. Kellogg's comments come amid ongoing debates in Western capitals about the future of military and diplomatic support for Kyiv.
Kellogg, who was recently in Cambridge, UK, suggested European nations might be unprepared for the challenges ahead.
"I was in Cambridge, UK, last week. They are not prepared to go down that road," he emphasized.He also highlighted Ukraine's plan to build an 800,000-strong army, underscoring Kyiv's serious intent to bolster its defensive capabilities.
Russia's Shadow Fleet and Its Implications
Kellogg further addressed the issue of Russia's shadow fleet, noting that 70% of illicit oil shipments transit the Baltic Sea.
"Seventy percent of that goes through the Baltic. You could stop it if you wanted to," he added.These remarks point to the critical importance of controlling maritime routes and ensuring regional security.
Kellogg expressed concern that "if we are not careful, within a year they will go without us." This indicates a potential shift in the geopolitical landscape, where a new Western axis might run through Poland and Ukraine into Romania, rather than through the Baltic region, Germany, and France as historically seen. Such a realignment could significantly impact European security and stability.
Keith Kellogg's statements reflect deep worries about changes to Europe's security architecture amidst the military challenges facing Ukraine. The strengthening of Ukraine's defenses and a potential weakening of European unity could lead to major geopolitical shifts, demanding careful analysis and prompt responses from Western nations. The focus on controlling strategic sea lanes also underscores the necessity of international cooperation to ensure regional stability.