Zelensky, former Trump envoy Kellogg discuss Ukraine's air defense needs during visit to Kyiv
Kellogg, previously regarded as one of the most pro-Ukrainian voices in the White House, left his position in 2025 but said his work in support of Ukraine would continue after leaving his government role.
On Aug. 22, former U.S. envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss the urgent need for air defense systems amid Russia's intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities. Kellogg, once a prominent pro-Ukrainian voice in the White House, left his position in 2025 but assured his support for Ukraine would continue beyond his government role.
Zelensky highlighted Ukraine's critical shortage of Patriot air defense missiles, a priority for the nation's defense, in a subsequent social media post. He emphasized Ukraine's readiness to acquire these interceptor missiles ahead of what is anticipated to be another challenging winter. Russia has capitalized on Ukraine's vulnerability by launching intense, frequent assaults on cities, as evidenced by recent attacks that killed 16 individuals in Kryvyi Rih on Aug.
21 and 15 in Kyiv on Aug. 20. Kellogg's visit to Kyiv followed his trip to Odesa on Aug. 21, where he assessed the damage from Russian attacks on port infrastructure. The U.S. delegation, led by Kellogg, was shown the impact of these attacks and briefed on efforts to maintain operations, according to the Infrastructure Ministry.
Zelensky's appeal for more Patriot interceptor missiles from allies gained further momentum when French President Emmanuel Macron committed to accelerating the delivery of missiles and other military equipment following a lengthy phone conversation with Zelensky. Macron also pledged to assist Ukraine in communicating with international partners possessing Patriot air defense systems, as reported by Zelensky.
The president has consistently emphasized the crucial role of Patriots in safeguarding Ukrainian civilians.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
