Politico: Kellogg was "pushed back" from negotiations on Ukraine

The absence of the US President's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, at a meeting with representatives of Kiev in Jeddah on March 11 emphasizes that he was "relegated to the background," while the special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, occupies a central place in the negotiations.

Politico writes about this with reference to the staff of the administration of the American President Donald Trump and Republican experts who informally advise the president's team.

"The role of Kellogg is a big question... there are already too many key people, plus (US President's special envoy for the Middle East Steve) Witkoff, who are trying to play heroes by ending the war. Kellogg is trailing behind, confusing the question of who is doing what," an unnamed White House official told the publication.

At the same time, officials denied the words of an anonymous Politico source.

"General Kellogg remains a valuable part of the team, especially in negotiations with our European allies," said White House National Security Spokesman James Hewitt.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly added that Kellogg's "only concern" at the moment is to follow the instructions of the US president.

On Tuesday in Saudi Arabia held talks between the delegations of Ukraine and the United States, the American side was represented by White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The Axios portal, citing informed sources, reported that the special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, according to preliminary information, plans to travel to Moscow on March 13 and meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.