U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg will now serve exclusively as his special envoy to Ukraine, narrowing the scope of his previous role, which included engagement with Russia. The move underscores the administration's focus on bolstering diplomatic ties with Kyiv amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Kellogg as a "Highly Respected Military Expert" capable of fostering direct communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other leaders. "He knows them well, and they have a very good working relationship together," Trump wrote.
Kellogg, aged 80, did not participate in recent peace talks held in Saudi Arabia, including discussions with Russian delegates in Riyadh in February and Ukrainian counterparts in Jeddah earlier this month. His new assignment signals a strategic pivot as the U.S. continues to navigate complex relationships in Eastern Europe.
With decades of military and policy experience, Kellogg previously served as national security advisor to former Vice President Mike Pence and held key roles in the National Security Council during Trump's first term. His reassignment is likely to draw attention from global policymakers and investors monitoring shifts in U.S. foreign strategy.
