Ukraine President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg in the capital Kyiv, where they discussed boosting Ukraine’s air defences and buying weapons with European help.
Earlier today, Kellogg arrived in Kyiv on a week-long visit, where he was welcomed by Andriy Yermak, the Head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office.
Yermak said on Telegram that there were many topics for discussion, including “strengthening security, weapons, sanctions, protecting our people, strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and the United States.”
Kellogg’s meeting with Zelenskyy took place the day after US President, Donald Trump said he would send Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine and ahead of an expected announcement by Trump.
Trump, who began his second term with a more conciliatory approach to Russia, has in recent weeks signalled disenchantment with Russian President, Vladimir Putin as Moscow has stepped up air strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
Zelenskyy posted a short readout from his meeting with US Envoy, Keith Kellogg, saying that the pair had a “productive” conversation about “the path to peace and what we can practically do together to bring it closer.”
“This includes strengthening Ukraine’s air defence, joint production, and procurement of defence weapons in collaboration with Europe.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The Ukrainian President also disclosed that they discussed fresh sanctions on Russia and countries that aid its war efforts, and urged US leadership on confronting Moscow.
“It is clear that Moscow will not stop unless its unreasonable ambitions are curbed through strength.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He ended the post thanking Kellogg, Trump and the American people for their support.
Important For US Envoy To Continue Mediation Efforts
Meanwhile, the Kremlin said that it is “important” for Russia that US Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg continues mediation efforts between Moscow and Kyiv during his visit to the Ukrainian capital.
This came as Kremlin Spokesman, Dmitry Peskov addressed reporters during a press briefing.
Expressing that Russia has no expectations from Kellogg’s visit to Ukraine, Peskov reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to engage in a third round of direct negotiations with Kyiv.
“It is obvious that Kyiv is in no hurry. We are still waiting for proposals (from Ukraine) on the timing.”
Dmitry Peskov
Reacting to Trump’s announcement that Washington will send an unspecified number of Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, the Spokesman added that Moscow proceeds from the fact that US military supplies to Ukraine “have continued and continue.”
The first two rounds of direct Russia-Ukraine talks — the first in over three years — were held in May and June, respectively, in the Turkish metropolis Istanbul.
Peskov also commented on the situation in the Baltic region, arguing that the region is fraught with an “atmosphere of tension” due to the “aggressive” policies of coastal European countries.
“Of course, the Baltic is now, thanks to the very aggressive policies of the European coastal states, a region where one can say that tension reigns, an atmosphere of tension.”
Dmitry Peskov
He further accused the Baltic states of engaging in “provocative” actions, which he claimed to be an “absolutely obvious reality.”
Describing Russia as a Baltic state, he stressed that Moscow will “firmly” defend its interests in the region.
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