Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a key meeting in Kyiv on Monday with retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, who now serves as Donald Trump’s envoy on Ukraine and Russia.
The visit comes amid growing speculation about how a second Trump presidency might reshape U.S. policy on the ongoing war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Zelensky described the meeting as “productive,” highlighting discussions around boosting Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, ramping up joint arms production, coordinating weapons purchases with Europe, and tightening sanctions on Russia.
Why This Meeting Matters
Kellogg’s visit happens as Trump voices increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite their long history of warm relations. Trump has pledged to end the war swiftly if re-elected, but his February meeting with Zelensky reportedly caused friction, with Trump accusing the Ukrainian leader of not being ready for peace.
Trump recently doubled down on his position, saying:
“I am very disappointed with President Putin. I thought he was someone who meant what he said.”
Zelensky, meanwhile, urged continued U.S. leadership in confronting Russian aggression.
“Moscow won’t stop unless it’s forced to,” he said on Telegram. “We’re counting on the leadership of the United States.”
Inside the Talks
Zelensky said he and Kellogg discussed realistic pathways to peace, including practical cooperation on military aid and defense infrastructure.
Later, speaking from the Oval Office alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump announced that NATO allies would soon be purchasing U.S.-made weapons, and warned of secondary tariffs on Russia if a peace deal isn’t reached within 50 days.
Voices from Both Sides
NATO’s Mark Rutte praised the evolving NATO strategy under Trump, saying:
“We want Ukraine to have what it needs to defend itself, and it’s logical that Europe should bear the cost. This builds on the tremendous success of the NATO summit.”
Zelensky, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), said:
“I thank Keith Kellogg for visiting Ukraine, and I’m grateful to President Trump for the signals of support and positive decisions. The support of the American people means a lot.”
What’s Next?
Several NATO members—including Germany, the UK, Canada, and the Nordic nations—have expressed interest in participating in the joint weapons program. Talks are also ongoing behind the scenes to chart a possible peace roadmap between Ukraine and Russia.
