Russian Forces Ease Strikes During U.S. Visit, Signalling Vladimir Putin’s Fear of America, Says Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin deliberately reduced attacks on Ukraine during a recent high-profile visit by an American official, citing it as a clear sign of Moscow’s fear of U.S. involvement.
Following the arrival of retired American General and U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg in Ukraine, there was a noticeable drop in large-scale Russian bombardments.
President Zelensky interpreted this pause as a tactical shift by the Kremlin, driven by caution when U.S. representatives are on Ukrainian soil.
“General Kellogg arrived in Ukraine, and for two consecutive nights, there have been no massive bombings. This is a very interesting example.
People are even joking: we should give General Kellogg a Ukrainian passport and leave him here, as Americans should come more often, because then Russia will bomb less,” said Zelensky.
Zelensky suggested that Putin’s restraint during Kellogg’s visit reflects a desire to avoid provoking Washington. The Russian leader, he implied, is wary of escalating tensions to a point that could trigger direct U.S. involvement.
Despite intense aerial assaults in the days surrounding the visit, including four S-300/S-400 guided missile strikes and over 130 drones on the night of 14 July, and a staggering 267 drone attacks on the night of 15 July, the two-day halt in major bombings during Kellogg’s time in Ukraine was seen as telling.
Zelensky emphasised that while Putin continues to use threats and intimidation, he stops short of provoking a full-scale U.S. response – a move the Ukrainian leader views as confirmation that Moscow fears American power.
The President also added that the temporary calm during Kellogg’s stay is not a coincidence but rather a deliberate display of caution from Russia. This, he said, underscores the significant deterrent effect the presence of high-ranking U.S. officials has on Kremlin military operations.
Kellogg’s visit to Kyiv began on 14 July and included meetings with top Ukrainian officials amid ongoing Western support for Ukraine’s resistance against the Russian invasion.
