Photo:Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keith Kellogg in Kyiv, 20 February 2025 Photo screenshot from video
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg. The parties discussed the details of the situation on the battlefield, the return of Ukrainian prisoners and the provision of effective security guarantees. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the United States for its assistance and bipartisan support for Ukraine. He also stressed the importance of tangible American support for Ukraine and the entire free world.
Ukraine is ready for an agreement with the US on investment and security
After his meeting with Kellogg, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready for a “strong, really useful agreement” with the US president on investment and security. He emphasised that Ukraine has been seeking peace since the first day of the war and is ready to work towards a reliable and lasting peace so that Russia can never start a war again. The President noted that the Ukrainian side had offered the fastest and most constructive way to achieve results and was ready to work around the clock to implement these agreements.
Cancellation of the joint press conference at the request of the United States
A joint press conference was scheduled to follow the meeting between Zelenskyy and Kellogg, but it was cancelled at the request of the American side. Presidential spokesperson Serhiy Nikiforov explained that the format of the meeting was to be a protocol shoot without any statements or questions.
Background to Kellogg’s visit to Ukraine
Keith Kellogg’s visit to Kyiv followed talks between the US and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia, which took place without Ukraine’s participation. During these talks, they discussed ways to end the war and possible agreements between the parties. Before arriving in Ukraine, Kellogg met with the Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiga, to discuss ways to achieve a just and sustainable peace.
Further steps in cooperation between Ukraine and the United States
Ukraine looks forward to further strengthening relations with the United States, in particular through the conclusion of agreements that will promote investment and security. Zelenskyy emphasised the readiness of the Ukrainian team to work continuously to achieve concrete results in cooperation with American partners. He also stressed that success in relations with the United States is important not only for Ukraine but for the whole world.
