The trip to Kyiv by the special envoy for Ukraine and Russia appointed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has been postponed, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The meeting between Keith Kellogg, a retired three-star general and a key defense adviser to Trump, and Ukrainian officials is considered essential by Sybiha, who emphasized its significance during a press briefing in Ukraine.
Sybiha expressed optimism about the rescheduling of the meeting, highlighting its importance. While the initial trip was canceled, efforts are being made to arrange the meeting at a later time to ensure its productivity and value. He mentioned ongoing discussions to set a clear schedule for the meeting.
These discussions took place during a joint press conference with the Foreign Minister of Iceland, where Sybiha reassured the public and the media about the forthcoming meeting between Kellogg and Ukrainian officials. He stressed the need for careful planning to maximize the effectiveness of the discussions and exchanges that will occur during the visit.
Trump’s arrival in the White House on Jan. 20 injects another measure of uncertainty into how the almost 3-year-old war might unfold and whether it can end in the foreseeable future.
Ukraine, up against a larger enemy, Russia, relies on Western — and especially U.S. — military backing to keep fighting. But Trump has criticized the billions of dollars the Biden administration has spent on Ukraine. He has also said he could end the war in 24 hours, though he hasn’t elaborated on how he might do that.
Ukrainian officials are eager to sway Trump on sticking with Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised Trump’s “strength” and said the American president’s “unpredictability” could work in Ukraine’s favor.
Ukrainians have expressed hope tinged with pragmatism about Trump’s election victory last November.
The war is draining the resources of both sides, though military analysts say the conflict is less sustainable for smaller Ukraine, and the war’s recent trajectory has not been in its favor.
Its undermanned army is under strain on the front line, especially in eastern areas, though Ukrainian officials say its 5-month-long incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region shows that Russia is vulnerable.
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