Kellogg to step down as Trump's special envoy for Ukraine – Reuters

According to four of the outlet’s sources, Kellogg has shared his plans to leave the Trump administration with people he knows.

Reuters noted that the status of a special presidential envoy is temporary, and such envoys theoretically must be confirmed by the Senate to remain in the role for more than 360 days.

The outlet's interlocutors said Kellogg indicated that January would be a natural moment for his departure, given the current legislation.

One of the sources said Kellogg concluded that there are too many officials dealing with Ukraine inside the Trump administration. At the same time, the administration does not acknowledge that it is Russia that is dragging out the peace talks.

Another informed source told the outlet that Kellogg initially did not intend to stay in his position for long.

Such a development would be negative news for Ukraine, as Kellogg was considered someone willing to hear the position of Europe and Kyiv.

Kellogg also condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure more sharply than other members of the Trump administration.

According to Reuters, he at times clashed with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who echoed some talking points of Russian President Vladimir Putin and supported an unbalanced territorial exchange as part of a long-term peace deal.

It remains unclear who might replace Kellogg.

Witkoff’s resignation

Media outlets reported in October that US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff planned to resign by the end of the year.

Witkoff himself called those rumors nonsense.