Ukraine’s Bold Attack Signals to Russia ‘We Can Play This Game Too,’ Kellogg Says

U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, has described Ukraine's recent operation, dubbed “Spiderweb,” as a major psychological blow to Russia, highlighting Kyiv's capability to confront the Kremlin on its own terms. 

The Gaze reports on this with reference to Fox News.

Kellogg emphasized that the Ukrainian strike on Russia's strategic bomber fleet was less about the immediate damage inflicted and more about the message it sent to the Russian leadership.

“This operation was more than just a tactical success for Ukraine, it was a serious blow to Russia’s reputation, signaling to Moscow that Ukraine is not backing down, it’s telling them, ‘we can play this game too,’” Kellogg stated, underscoring the significance of the operation in shifting the dynamics of the ongoing war.

The operation, which targeted airfields in Siberia and Russia’s far north, struck Russian bombers deep within the heart of Russian territory, up to 4,300 kilometers from the frontlines. 

Kellogg noted that such a high-value target strike was a clear demonstration of Ukraine’s growing ability to challenge Russia's military supremacy, while undermining Moscow's perceived immunity from Ukrainian retaliation.

However, Kellogg did not shy away from acknowledging the risks associated with such bold operations. “Attacking a nation’s nuclear triad raises the stakes because we don’t know how the other side will respond,” he explained, referring to the potential escalation that could follow Ukraine’s targeting of Russia's strategic air assets.

Despite the heightened risks, the international community has largely backed Ukraine’s actions, calling them a legitimate and measured response to Russian aggression. Ukraine’s resilience in the face of continued attacks has been a focal point in global discussions, with some leaders praising the operation as a critical act of self-defense.

Kellogg also highlighted that Ukraine’s stance in peace talks continues to be a key point of contention. While Russia's position remains maximalist, Ukraine’s proposals have been described as “reasonable” by Western officials, with hopes of bridging the divide through continued diplomatic efforts.

Read more on The Gaze: What the Biggest Strike on Russian Air Bases Means for Russia’s Air Power