KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg on Monday in Kyiv. They held what Zelenskyy described as a “productive” meeting. The main focus was air defense cooperation and increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions. Both sides also discussed how to speed up peace efforts.
The visit came just one day after President Donald Trump announced new Patriot missile systems for Ukraine. Trump’s move marked a sharp reversal of his earlier stance. It also came as Russian drone and missile strikes killed at least three civilians in eastern Ukraine. Many in Kyiv fear U.S. support may be inconsistent.
Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. but pushed for more action. He asked for joint weapons production and stronger defense ties with Europe. He also called for new sanctions on Russia and nations helping Moscow’s war machine. “Moscow won’t stop unless it’s met with real strength,” he warned.
Trump said Ukraine “desperately needs” Patriot missiles. But he added the U.S. would not pay for them—Europe would cover the cost. A Ukrainian soldier on the front line told AFP the support came “better late than never.” He said the new air defense would help protect families back home.
Meanwhile, Russia claimed it captured two villages in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. It also launched 136 drones and four missiles at Ukraine overnight. Fighting continues across the east, even as world leaders push for peace talks. Kellogg’s visit signals that U.S. diplomacy in the region is far from over.