Kellogg: Ukrainians will definitely be at the negotiation table, but it's unlikely that Europeans will join them.

Kellogg commented on the recent concerns voiced in Kyiv and in EU countries that the United States and Russia might engage in bilateral peace negotiations, leaving Ukraine and its European allies with a fait accompli.

Ukrainians Will Be at the Negotiating Table

"Of course, Ukrainians will be at the negotiating table," Kellogg stated. However, he indicated that direct participation of EU representatives in the negotiations is not anticipated, as implied in his remarks. At the same time, according to the U.S. presidential representative, he is currently discussing matters with European leaders and gathering their proposals to ensure that European interests are also considered during the negotiations.

Previously, both EU leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had asserted that EU representatives should participate directly in peace talks. However, the framework for such negotiations has yet to be defined. Kellogg stated that Russia and Ukraine must be involved in any case, with the U.S. acting as a mediator. He noted that he is committed to preparing for these negotiations within 180 days. According to him, the war should conclude within a year. As the U.S. special envoy emphasized, he aims to work as quickly as possible so that the results of his efforts become evident in a matter of weeks or days, rather than in six months. This is a requirement from President Trump, Kellogg stressed.

Kellogg confirmed that he will visit Ukraine next week. His trip to Moscow is not planned—he stated that another special representative, Steven Witkoff, will maintain contacts with Russia on behalf of President Donald Trump.
Kellogg mentioned that the U.S. is currently considering various options for security guarantees for Ukraine. The special envoy emphasized that merely achieving a ceasefire and truce will not be deemed a success for Ukraine; the measure of success will be whether sufficiently strong guarantees are established in the event of a breach of the truce.

Russia Must Make Concessions

Kellogg stated that Russia, relying on brute force and disregarding losses, will not achieve success in the war. To end the conflict with Ukraine, Moscow will need to make concessions. Among other things, he mentioned potential territorial concessions—apparently referring to relinquishing control over part of the currently occupied Ukrainian territories. Additionally, the U.S. would like Moscow to distance itself from alliances with U.S. adversaries such as North Korea, Iran, or China. Kellogg noted that if Moscow is unwilling to make concessions, the U.S. may impose additional sanctions targeting, among other sectors, the Russian oil industry. At the same time, the special envoy dismissed criticism from both Kyiv and EU countries regarding U.S. contacts with Russia and personally with Vladimir Putin, stating: "Whether we like it or not, we must talk to our adversaries."

• U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that ending the war in Ukraine is one of his primary goals. Recently, he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and, as he claims, received assurances that Russia will strive for peace. Trump also had a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Trump, significant progress has already been made towards peace. However, no agreements have yet been reported regarding the initiation of peace talks involving the conflicting parties, whose demands are sometimes diametrically opposed. Combat operations continue.