Trump Limits Ukraine Envoy's Role after Kremlin Complaints

WASHINGTON, D.C., United States of America - 15 March 2025

President Donald Trump has restricted the responsibilities of his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, General Keith Kellogg, limiting his role solely to Ukrainian affairs. The decision reportedly follows direct complaints from Moscow, which viewed Kellogg as overly sympathetic to Kyiv and sought his removal from broader peace negotiations.

Russian officials had expressed unease about Kellogg’s position in U.S.-Russia-Ukraine negotiations, reportedly perceiving him as too closely aligned with Ukrainian leadership. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the Kremlin was particularly wary of Kellogg’s past statements advocating for stronger U.S. military and financial support to Ukraine. This stance, they argued, undermined ongoing efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution to the war.

As a result, the Kremlin requested that Washington remove Kellogg from direct involvement in ceasefire negotiations. While the U.S. has not officially acknowledged Moscow’s role in the decision, the timing suggests a reaction to Russia’s concerns.

Kellogg was notably absent from high-level peace talks held in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, which included U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and delegations from Ukraine and Russia. These discussions focused on securing a 30-day ceasefire agreement—an initiative tentatively approved by both Kyiv and Moscow but subject to revisions requested by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Despite the limitations placed on Kellogg’s role, the White House has insisted that the envoy remains a valued advisor. President Trump, when asked about the decision, reaffirmed his trust in Kellogg’s expertise but emphasized that his role would now be strictly focused on Ukraine.

This development raises broader questions about the direction of U.S. policy under Trump. Some analysts view it as an attempt to improve Washington’s relationship with Moscow, particularly at a time when U.S. officials are engaged in delicate ceasefire negotiations. Others argue that it may weaken U.S. leverage in talks, as Kellogg was seen as a staunch advocate for Kyiv’s interests.

For Ukraine, the move may be perceived as a concession to Russian demands, heightening concerns about Washington’s long-term commitment to supporting Kyiv’s resistance against Russian aggression.

Image: BMEIA/Flickr

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