During one of the panels at Warsaw Security Forum, Kellog spoke about the appropriate response to Russian provocations. He used an example of Turkey, whose airspace was violated in 2015 by the Russian SU-24 bomber. – What did the Turks do? They shot him down, he noted.
Kellogg estimated that in such serious situations it is sometimes “increase your level of risk” – both political and military.
In this context, the general reported the course of the assassination of the Iranian general Ghasem Solejmani in January 2020 – we were told that we would cause a much greater war in the Middle East. We didn't believe it. And what happened? We killed him and the situation calmed down – said a special US envoy.
Kellogg was asked how he imagined a possible suspension of fire in the context of the Kremlin position that Moscow will not accept the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine.
– Russia has no voice in this matter – emphasized the general. He added that this is an independent decision of the Ukrainian country, which must be supported by the alliance.
– In my team I sometimes use a comment: “Thank you for your interest in national security, but I don't care about your opinion,” said Kellogg.
The general pointed out that he had never seen NATO as strong as he was now. He spoke, among others about a significant number of F-35 fighters in European NATO countries. “You could clean the sky in one night if you want.” You could create a dome over Ukraine, which no one will match – he emphasized.
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“There is a matter of readiness to take risks,” noted Kellogg. – It's a difficult decision, I know. I made such decisions myself – he added.
– I do not know if the generals tell (Vladimir Putin) the truth, but he will not defeat NATO, he will not defeat the West, there is simply no means for it Kellogg said.
