What to expect from Zelenskyy-Kellogg meeting - President’s Office weighs in
Photo: Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office Mykhailo Podolyak (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his meeting in Italy with the US President’s Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, will discuss three key issues: speeding up weapons deliveries, increasing the volume of military aid, and aligning positions on the war and Russia, stated Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine’s YouTube channel.
Podolyak reminded that three meetings involving Zelenskyy had been announced — with Kellogg, with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and with the new Pope Leo XIV. However, according to Podolyak, there will be many more meetings.
"Today, we're seeing a reshaping of what was expected. I call it acceleration, volume increase, and synchronization. These are the three directions," he said.
Speeding up arms deliveries
The first issue, Podolyak noted, is the acceleration of investment programs and weapons supplies to Ukraine. This must be addressed with a clear understanding that there is nothing to negotiate with Russia.
"And without faster military supplies to Ukraine, it will be impossible to pressure Russia into anything," Podolyak added.
Increasing the volume of weapons
The second issue to be discussed is increasing the overall volume of military aid. Europe, at the moment, cannot fully replace the level of weapons supplies currently provided by the United States. European countries are preparing for this and are investing in defense, but this will take time, Podolyak explained.
"And increasing volume is something that can be discussed at the level of European countries. Let’s not forget that Italy, and Prime Minister Meloni personally, have good communication with Trump. They can advocate for Ukraine’s interests. And that means increasing the volume of deliveries to Ukraine. So I expect this will be discussed at various venues, including in Rome," he explained.
Common stance on Russia
The third point, according to the presidential adviser, is that the US, Europe, and Ukraine must fully synchronize their positions on Russia and on ending the war. It’s necessary to determine what actions need to be taken and what Ukraine needs in order to force Russian leader Vladimir Putin to agree to peace.
"The US has been much more synchronized with Europe in assessing Putin (than Ukraine - ed.). And this is happening now," Podolyak concluded.
Zelenskyy arrived in the Italian capital on July 9 for a visit. In Rome, he is expected to hold a number of important meetings, including with Kellogg, the President of Italy, and several other politicians. Zelenskyy has already met with the new Pope, Leo XIV.
Military aid to Ukraine could resume following the meetings in Italy. In addition to his meeting with Zelenskyy, Kellogg may also meet with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and his aides to go over the details.
