Kellogg reveals how Trump and Zelenskyy's relationship has changed
Keith Kellogg (photo: Getty Images)
Relations between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have improved over time. Still, effective cooperation between Washington and Kyiv requires engagement beyond the level of the two heads of state, former Trump special envoy Keith Kellogg said in an interview with journalist Natalia Moseichuk.
Trump-Zelenskyy relations
Kellogg believes that Trump and Zelenskyy have developed a relationship of restrained respect.
According to him, the two politicians share similar personality traits, so their interactions sometimes resemble the poles of a magnet.
At the same time, Kellogg described Zelenskyy as a courageous person because he is leading the country amid a full-scale war.
The American envoy noted that relations between the two presidents have improved recently.
He also explained that one reason for his work in Ukraine is his desire to better understand the situation on the ground and determine what message should be conveyed to Trump.
Key advisers
Kellogg believes that Kyiv should pay more attention to engaging with members of the US administration who directly influence the president's decisions. He cited Marco Rubio, Scott Bessent, and Pete Hegseth as examples.
"If you really want to have an impact, work with the advisers," Kellogg said, stressing that concrete changes can be achieved at this level.
According to him, Trump wants to end the war and is deeply affected by the loss of human life. Kellogg also rejected claims that after the clash between Zelenskyy and Trump in the Oval Office in February 2025, the US side allegedly discussed replacing the Ukrainian president.
He stressed that he was personally present during that meeting and did not hear any such proposals.
According to Kellogg, the incident resulted from the two presidents losing touch with each other, but both were later willing to restore dialogue.
According to Keith Kellogg's assessment, a quick end to the war cannot be expected for now, as Russian President Vladimir Putin is not ready to end the hostilities.
