Trump Envoy Meets Zelenskyy in Kyiv to Discuss Ukraine Air Defenses, Sanctions

U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss strengthening Ukraine's air defenses, joint arms production with Europe, and tighter sanctions on Russia. This meeting signals a possible shift in the Trump administration's approach to the three-year conflict, with Trump expressing disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin's stance on peace talks and emphasizing increased U.S. support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy highlighted the urgency of U.S. leadership to stop Moscow's ambitions by force, while Kellogg's visit came shortly after Trump pledged new deliveries of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. The discussions also covered cooperation on security, weapon supplies, and coordinated sanctions, reflecting growing U.S. commitment amid escalating Russian attacks. This engagement marks a departure from Trump's earlier skepticism of aid to Ukraine and aligns with bipartisan efforts to impose tougher sanctions on Russia. The ongoing conflict and Russia's rejection of ceasefire proposals underscore the critical nature of these talks as both sides seek pathways to peace and military collaboration.