Second day of Kellogg in Kyiv: High‑level defense talks continue

Day one

Meeting with Zelenskyy

The US President's Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, first met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the meeting, they discussed the path to peace between Ukraine and Russia, as well as ways to accelerate the end of the war.

Photo: Keith Kellogg meets with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)

According to Zelenskyy, the agenda included strengthening Ukraine's air defense, launching joint production projects, and coordinating defense procurement with European partners. They also addressed the issue of increasing sanctions against Russia.

Kellogg noted that he met with Zelenskyy to discuss US President Donald Trump's proposed agreement with NATO, which is expected to expedite the delivery of advanced American weaponry to Ukraine.

Meeting with Umerov and briefings from Syrskyi and Budanov

In Kyiv, Keith Kellogg held a face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The discussion focused on expanding joint projects to localize the production of air defense systems and other types of weaponry in both Ukraine and Europe.

They also addressed the issue of sanctions against Russia, with particular emphasis on measures targeting the energy sector.

Photo: Kellogg meets with Rustem Umerov and Ukrainian generals in Kyiv (facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua)

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov, and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov briefed Keith Kellogg on Russia's preparations for a potential large-scale war against NATO.

The Ukrainian military leadership also outlined Ukraine's current and planned responses to Russian aggression.

General Syrskyi emphasized Ukraine's most urgent needs in terms of weaponry and defense capabilities.

Meeting with Stefanchuk

On the first day of his visit, Keith Kellogg also met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian Parliament.

Photo: Kellogg meets with Stefanchuk in Kyiv (rada.gov.ua)

The two discussed the delivery of air defense systems, ammunition, and other critically needed weapons to Ukraine. They also addressed ways to curb the flow of technological components that Russia acquires through third countries for its weapons production.

Day two

Meeting with Sybiha

On the second day of his visit, Keith Kellogg met with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The discussion focused on expanding defense cooperation between Ukraine and the United States.

Photo: Kellogg meets with Sybiha in Kyiv (x.com/andrii_sybiha)

Both sides welcomed the bipartisan support in the US Congress for a sanctions bill targeting Russia and coordinated next steps to increase the cost of war for the aggressor.

"Despite what Russian propaganda claims, Russia is not winning, and Ukraine is not losing this war. In reality, despite massive resources and losses, Moscow has failed to achieve any strategic objectives," Sybiha emphasized.

He added that now is the time to pursue peace through strength and compel Russia to end the war.

Air alerts during Kellogg's visit

On July 14 and 15, the same dates as Keith Kellogg's visit to Kyiv, Ukraine experienced multiple large-scale air alerts — once on Monday and twice on Tuesday.

These alerts were triggered by the launch of Russian MiG-31K fighter jets, which are capable of carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. However, no missile launches were recorded during those instances.

Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko told RBC-Ukraine that Russia might intensify attacks during Kellogg's visit.

"I wouldn't rule out the possibility of large-scale strikes. In any case, Russian air attacks on Ukraine, particularly Kyiv, have become increasingly frequent," he said.

Sources used in this article: Press services of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (via X), and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov (via Facebook).