On 19 February 2025 US President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg arrived in Kyiv for high-level talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials. The visit occurs shortly after US and Russian delegations held discussions in Saudi Arabia regarding the ongoing conflict talks from which Ukraine was excluded. Kellogg's arrival also coincided with a massive Russian drone strike on Odesa that left tens of thousands of residents without power and heating.
Upon his arrival Kellogg emphasized that his mission was to "listen" to Ukraine's concerns and relay his findings to the White House. He affirmed the US understanding the need for security guarantees and importance of Ukraine sovereignty. Zelensky offered Kellogg a three-day visit that could include an inspection of the front lines but this has not confirmed. Kellogg presence in Kyiv signals a potential pivot in US strategy and a move away from isolating Russian President Vladimir Putin. But some analysts contend that because of his pro-Ukraine views and purported Russian opposition, Kellogg is being ignored in Donald Trump's peace initiatives.
As Russian soldiers continue to strike various oblasts in Ukraine the situation there is still terrible. Overnight a devastating drone strike on Odesa left 160000 homes without electricity or heating and injured at least four people including a toddler. Strike caused damage to civilian infrastructure including residential structures a kindergarten and a children clinic. Russia launched 167 drones overnight 106 of which were shot down by Ukrainian forces. There were other reports of attacks in oblasts of Kherson and Sumy Donetsk which caused more damage and deaths. These incidents highlight difficulties and complexities that persist while diplomatic attempts to resolve conflicts continue.
Upon his arrival Kellogg emphasized that his mission was to "listen" to Ukraine's concerns and relay his findings to the White House. He affirmed the US understanding the need for security guarantees and importance of Ukraine sovereignty. Zelensky offered Kellogg a three-day visit that could include an inspection of the front lines but this has not confirmed. Kellogg presence in Kyiv signals a potential pivot in US strategy and a move away from isolating Russian President Vladimir Putin. But some analysts contend that because of his pro-Ukraine views and purported Russian opposition, Kellogg is being ignored in Donald Trump's peace initiatives.
As Russian soldiers continue to strike various oblasts in Ukraine the situation there is still terrible. Overnight a devastating drone strike on Odesa left 160000 homes without electricity or heating and injured at least four people including a toddler. Strike caused damage to civilian infrastructure including residential structures a kindergarten and a children clinic. Russia launched 167 drones overnight 106 of which were shot down by Ukrainian forces. There were other reports of attacks in oblasts of Kherson and Sumy Donetsk which caused more damage and deaths. These incidents highlight difficulties and complexities that persist while diplomatic attempts to resolve conflicts continue.
