Kellogg: Putin Lacks Strength to Move Towards Baltics
Former US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg told Latvian Television that Russian President Vladimir Putin currently lacks sufficient military strength to attack the Baltic states, thus dismissing worst-case security scenarios.
Keith Kellogg, the former special envoy of US President Donald Trump for Ukraine and a retired US Army general, stated in an interview with Latvian Television (LTV) that Russian leader Vladimir Putin does not have enough power at the moment to advance towards the Baltic region. According to Kellogg, those who paint the darkest scenarios for Baltic security should relax for a moment – the real threat from Russia is not as significant as sometimes predicted. The diplomat emphasized that Russia's military capabilities are limited, especially after the prolonged war in Ukraine, and therefore an attack on the Baltics is not realistic in the near future. Kellogg's comments come at a time when security issues in the Baltic region are being intensely discussed due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Kellogg is known for his tough stance against Russia and has repeatedly criticized Putin's actions. He stressed that the West must continue to support Ukraine to weaken Russia's military potential. However, his assessment of Putin's ability to move towards the Baltics is a reassuring signal for the region, which is concerned about possible aggression. In the LTV interview, Kellogg did not specify the intelligence data behind his confidence but emphasized that Russia's resources are depleted and its army lacks modern weaponry.
