Kellogg meets with top Ukrainian officials in Kyiv to discuss air defense, Russia sanctions

Zelenskyy shared the information about the meeting  with the U.S. envoy on his social media.

“We discussed the path to peace and what we can practically do together to bring it closer. This includes strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, joint production, and procurement of defense weapons in collaboration with Europe. And of course, sanctions against Russia and those who help it,” the Ukrainian leader said.

He also stressed that Kyiv is counting on Washington's leadership, as “it is clear that Moscow will not stop unless its unreasonable ambitions are curbed through strength.”

“I thank Keith Kellogg for this visit to Ukraine. I am grateful to President Trump for the important signals of support and the positive decisions for both our countries,” Zelenskyy concluded.

Kellogg's arrival in Ukraine was earlier announced by the head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, Andriy Yermak.

“Defense, strengthening security, weapons, sanctions, protecting our people, strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S. — there are many topics to discuss,” he wrote.

Yermak also emphasized that Kyiv supports Donald Trump's approach of peace through strength.

The day before, in his evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, referring to General Kellogg's visit, noted that “negotiations on further support will take place during the week.” He added that he had instructed  Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Hnatov to present Kellogg with the information Ukraine has about Russian capabilities and the countries prospects.

"We are also preparing meetings between President Trump’s special envoy and the heads of the Security Service of Ukraine and our intelligence services. The information provided will be comprehensive. We count on the United States fully understanding what can be done to compel Russia to peace," Zelenskyy said.

“We are pleased to welcome U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine General Kellogg to Kyiv. His visit confirms the U.S. president's commitment to ensuring lasting peace and ending this war,” the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine said.

Kellogg meets with top Ukrainian military officials to discuss defense cooperation, peace efforts

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov also held a meeting with Kellogg. The negotiations concerned achieving a sustainable and just peace, developing Ukraine’s defense capabilities, and scaling up joint military-industrial projects.

During the conversation, First Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Boiev emphasized that Ukraine is ready for a prolonged ceasefire; however, its security is based on a capable army and a strong defense industry. That is why the key topic was the localization of arms production.

According to Umerov, Ukraine and its partners are already implementing projects for the production of air defense systems and other critically important components. Some initiatives are at the launch stage and, in the future, may be implemented in partnership with European countries or funded by frozen Russian assets.

Special attention was given to Ukraine’s combat experience, particularly in the field of UAVs. The Ukrainian side expressed its readiness to share this experience with allies.

In the context of sanctions, the need for consistent restrictions on the Russian energy sector—as the main source of funding for the war—was emphasized.

As part of the visit by the American delegation, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov, Head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, and intelligence representatives held a briefing during which they: informed about the operational situation at the front, provided an assessment of Russia’s plans, and stressed that Russia is preparing for a larger-scale war—not only against Ukraine, but potentially against NATO as well.

General Syrskyi also outlined the Armed Forces’ top-priority needs for weaponry, which are critical for deterring Russian aggression.

Read also: Kellogg holds unique niche few others can fill — political scientist

• On July 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Rome with Keith Kellogg, who headed the U.S. delegation at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC).
• On the eve of the URC-2025, Keith Kellogg said that international partners should help Ukraine rebuild by implementing their own “Marshall Plan” for the country. He later announced that he would arrive in Kyiv on July 14 for a week-long visit.