Kellogg removed from Ukraine peace talks at Russia’s request — media

NBC reported the information, citing a U.S. administration official and a Russian official who wished to remain anonymous.

The outlet notes that Kellogg was absent from recent negotiations in Saudi Arabia, despite his status as a special representative for Ukraine and Russia, which should have required his presence.

A senior Russian official told NBC that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin “considers him too pro-Ukrainian.”

“Kellogg is a former American general, too close to Ukraine. Not our kind of person, not of the caliber we are looking for,” the official said.

A Trump administration official confirmed this information, stating that Russia did not want Kellogg involved. It is unclear when the White House became aware of this.

Kellogg declined to comment on why he was not involved in the negotiations or whether Russia had requested his exclusion.

• Earlier, Politico, citing its own sources, also reported on Kellogg’s possible removal from the talks. However, White House National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt denied this information.