Kellogg: Ukrainian strikes on refineries remain key, Moscow tries to relieve this pressure

Call to continue pressure on energy infrastructure

US General Keith Kellogg emphasised the need for Ukraine to continue striking Russian oil refineries. According to him, Moscow's proposal to supply diesel fuel to the US could serve as a tool to reduce pressure on the Russian oil sector.

Kellogg believes that Vladimir Putin is trying to protect refineries from Ukrainian attacks. The general suggested that the Russian side might attempt to secure a halt to such strikes during negotiations with US partners, which are to take place in Miami.

Doubts about the intentions of Russian negotiators

The US military officer stated that he does not trust either Vladimir Putin or Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev. He also expressed doubts that the diesel fuel initiative is driven by good intentions or solely by a desire to improve relations with the United States.

Difference in combat objectives and prospects on the front

Separately, Kellogg drew attention to the differences between the objectives pursued by Ukrainian and Russian forces. According to him, Ukraine primarily attacks objects of the Russian military-industrial complex, while Russia strikes civilian infrastructure, including schools and churches.

The general stressed that by shifting combat operations to the territory of the aggressor state, Russians are increasingly feeling the consequences of the war. He also expressed doubt that the Russian army will manage to capture the rest of the Donetsk region.

Kellogg named the lack of victory on the front and constant Ukrainian pressure on Russia as Putin's main problem.