Witkoff vs. Kellogg: Three Lines of the Ukrainian Conflict

In the spring of 2025, the Ukrainian issue once again found itself at the center of global politics. While closed-door ceasefire talks are taking place in Jeddah, no less heated discussions are taking place in Washington, both in Trump’s circle and in Congress. All this is happening against the backdrop of the tragedy in Sumy, where more than 30 people, including civilians, were killed in a strike.

Disagreements within Trump's team

Steve Witkoff has proposed a ceasefire with partial recognition of Ukraine's territorial losses. According to The Wall Street Journal, he is "optimistic" about the possibility of a deal. At the same time, Keith Kellogg and Marco Rubio are strongly against such concessions, considering them a strategic mistake and encouragement of aggression.

Aid to Ukraine: Congress Divided

According to Reuters, the House of Representatives is debating a bill on military and economic aid to Kiev. It is causing disputes between Democrats and Republicans: some consider the support strategically important, while others demand “strict accountability” and spending restrictions.

Jeddah: Ceasefire Talks

From April 13 to 15, negotiations between delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia took place in Saudi Arabia. According to CBS News, a 30-day ceasefire is being discussed . According to The Guardian, Russia demands Ukraine's neutrality and recognition of the captured territories. Ukraine, in turn, insists on international guarantees and the right to join NATO.

The attack on Sumy and the political consequences

On April 13, 35 people were killed in a strike on Sumy. According to The New York Times, the strike hit a university complex where an awards ceremony was taking place. President Zelensky fired the governor of Sumy Oblast — source: Meduza .

Trump's statement provoked a negative reaction in Kyiv: "If we had been listened to a year ago, there would have been no war," he wrote. Zelensky responded: "Anyone who justifies strikes on civilians cannot be called the leader of the free world."

Ceasefire or freeze?

According to experts from CEPA and the Atlantic Council , the ceasefire under discussion is not a solution, but a temporary pause. Analyst Julian Barnes notes: “An unresolved conflict is not peace, but an invitation to the next war.” Amid diplomacy in Jeddah and rhetoric in Washington, Ukraine continues to fight not only on the front lines, but also for the attention of its allies.