Trump's envoy postpones Kyiv visit, signals U.S. strategy shift

In an interview with Ukrainian television, Mykhailo Podolyak stated that the delay in Kellogg's visit indicates that Donald Trump's administration has developed a thorough understanding of the nature of the ongoing conflict.

Podolyak highlighted the importance of understanding Russia's motives and recognizing that it is unrealistic to simply make requests and expect compliance. He stressed the need to identify concrete measures to exert significant influence on Russia and described the postponement of the visit as a clearly positive development.

Reuters previously reported that Donald Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia, General Keith Kellogg, postponed his trip to Kyiv and other European capitals until after the new U.S. president's inauguration. The visit was initially supposed to take place at the beginning of January, but the final date has not yet been set.

According to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Volodymyr Zelensky, noted that the delay in Kellogg's visit reflects the Trump administration's efforts to analyze information from intelligence agencies, think tanks, and other sources. He explained that they are giving more thought to the nature of the conflict, possible solutions, and practical steps that can be taken.

General Kellogg, who held advisory positions during Trump's first term, is expected to play a central role in fulfilling the pledge to bring an end to Russia's war against Ukraine. In discussions with the media, Kellogg proposed freezing the conflict, temporarily excluding Ukraine from NATO membership, and providing security guarantees as part of the strategy.

Donald Trump, who during his election campaign declared a swift end to the war, admitted in December that it might be more challenging than he assumed. After meeting with the President of Ukraine, Trump said that Kyiv is ready to make peace and called on Vladimir Putin to "act".