U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg took a joint photo with the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, near the famous mini-statue of a cat in Kyiv.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The photo was published by Kellogg on the social media platform X, generating significant interest among Ukrainian users. The mini-statue of the cat, located in the center of Kyiv, has long become a recognizable symbol of the capital, attracting the attention of both residents and visitors to the city.
A Symbol of Safety and Protection for Ukrainians
Kellogg emphasized the special significance of the cat statue for Ukrainians in his post. According to him, the similarity of his name to the Ukrainian word “кіт” (cat) led locals to jokingly refer to him as the “cat of calm.” The diplomat noted that during his stay in Ukraine, Russia temporarily halts strikes on civilian targets, allowing people to experience a few days of peace and safety.
“The ‘cat’ is a unique symbol for the Ukrainian people. A symbol of safety and protection. Since ‘Keith’ sounds like ‘Кіт’ in Ukrainian, Ukrainians have dubbed my role as Special Representative Kellogg the ‘cat.’ When ‘Cat’ comes to Ukraine, Russia pauses strikes on civilians, giving them a few nights of calm. The calm that strong America offers to other countries. As always, it was a wonderful visit and conversation with the head of the GUR, General Budanov, by the cat statue,” wrote the U.S. Special Representative.
Humor and Diplomacy in Ukraine-U.S. Relations
During Kellogg’s previous visit to Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky jokingly compared the guest to “air defense for Kyiv” and even offered him Ukrainian citizenship so he could visit various cities in the country more often. This highlighted the warm and trusting relationship between the Ukrainian and American sides, as well as the importance of symbolic gestures to support the morale of Ukrainians during a challenging time.