Keith Kellogg, Special Envoy for Ukraine appointed by US President Donald Trump, arrived in Kyiv on Monday, 14 July, for a week-long visit focused on military cooperation and security coordination between the United States and Ukraine.
The visit follows Kellogg’s announcement at the recent Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, where he confirmed plans to travel to Ukraine to assess the situation on the ground and consult with Ukrainian authorities. This marks Kellogg’s first official visit to Ukraine since assuming his post earlier this year.
According to Ukrainian officials, the agenda will centre on defence matters, strengthening bilateral security cooperation, the supply of weaponry, sanctions policy, and measures to protect the civilian population. Discussions are also expected to cover the broader framework of US–Ukraine cooperation in light of the ongoing war with Russia.
Kellogg, a retired US Army lieutenant general and former National Security Adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, was appointed to his current role shortly after Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025. His remit includes direct engagement with Ukraine’s leadership and defence institutions, as well as regular reporting to the US administration on strategic developments and military requirements.
The visit comes amid intensified Russian attacks in Ukraine’s eastern and southern regions, including continued missile and drone strikes against infrastructure and urban centres. In this context, Ukrainian officials are seeking to reinforce international backing, with particular emphasis on sustaining military assistance from Washington.
During his visit, Kellogg is expected to hold talks with senior figures from Ukraine’s defence establishment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Security and Defence Council. He may also meet members of the Ukrainian Parliament involved in defence and foreign policy matters. While no official itinerary has been published, the focus is expected to remain on operational support and strategic coordination.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously indicated that Ukraine intends to deepen military cooperation with the United States under the Trump administration. Speaking after the Rome conference, he reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness to engage with Kellogg on matters of defence and national security, highlighting the importance of sustained US support.
Although Kellogg does not operate through the State Department, his role has been positioned as a key channel for US policy in Ukraine. The Trump administration has placed greater emphasis on individual envoys and direct engagement rather than multilateral processes, with Kellogg tasked with shaping a more focused, security-driven approach.
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