President Donald Trump has removed retired General Keith Kellogg, his special envoy for Russia-Ukraine peace talks, from ongoing negotiations, as revealed by sources within the administration. Despite Kellogg’s pivotal role in these discussions, the president’s decision to sideline him has raised questions and concerns among officials.
In February 2025, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg embarked on a crucial visit to Kyiv from 19 to 21 February. During his time in Ukraine, he engaged in high-level meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and military officials to address pressing issues such as security guarantees, military support, and pathways to peace amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Kellogg’s visit aimed to gather valuable insights for shaping US policy while ensuring that Ukraine’s voice was not overshadowed in international negotiations.
Despite his significant contributions, Kellogg’s presence in the current Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia has noticeably diminished, signaling a shift in his role. This development has brought to the forefront other key figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who have taken on more prominent roles in engaging with Ukrainian and Russian officials.
While Kellogg’s involvement in the peace negotiations has been scaled back, White House officials have emphasized his continued importance within the administration’s efforts. White House national security spokesperson James Hewitt highlighted President Trump’s utilization of various senior officials to work towards a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, underscoring Kellogg’s ongoing value to the team. Additionally, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly reaffirmed Kellogg’s steadfast commitment to fulfilling the president’s directives to end the war.
Despite speculation surrounding Kellogg’s status in the negotiations, a close associate of his dismissed claims of his marginalization as mere “Washington infighting.” They emphasized Kellogg’s direct line of communication with the president and his strong rapport with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, highlighting his enduring relevance in the diplomatic landscape.
Reports from The Telegraph have shed light on Trump’s approach to the Ukraine peace negotiations, indicating a possible alignment with a strategy proposed by Kellogg in a plan published the previous year. The plan suggested leveraging military aid to Ukraine as a bargaining chip to compel Kyiv to engage in negotiations. The proposal included opening peace talks with Russian President Putin, involving Zelenskyy in the dialogue, and potentially halting weapons shipments to Ukraine—a strategy that mirrors recent developments following a reported confrontation between Trump and Zelenskyy.
Kellogg’s plan also outlined critical concessions necessary for achieving lasting peace, such as ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine and acknowledging the possibility of territorial concessions to Russia. These strategic considerations underscore the complexity of the diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
During a recent appearance at the Council on Foreign Relations, Kellogg spoke positively about his collaborative relationship with fellow envoy Steve Witkoff, emphasizing their effective partnership in navigating the intricate diplomatic landscape. Kellogg’s remarks reflect the importance of cohesive teamwork in addressing complex geopolitical challenges.
As the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations continue to evolve, the role of key figures like Kellogg remains under scrutiny. The interplay between various stakeholders and the strategic decisions made at this critical juncture will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the ongoing conflict and the prospects for a peaceful resolution. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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