Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced an upcoming meeting with US Special Envoy to Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, in Kyiv on Thursday. Kellogg’s visit follows recent US-Russia discussions in Saudi Arabia regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“We are scheduled to meet with General Kellogg tomorrow, and it is very important for us that the meeting and our work with America, in general, be constructive,” Zelenskyy stated in his evening address on Wednesday. He emphasized his hope for strengthened cooperation with the US, believing that, alongside Europe, they can ensure greater security and progress toward peace.
Ukraine Left Out of US-Russia Talks
Earlier, US and Russian officials held discussions in Riyadh to explore potential resolutions to the conflict. However, Ukraine and European representatives were notably absent from these high-level talks, sparking concerns about key decisions being made without Kyiv’s direct participation.
Trump Labels Zelenskyy a ‘Dictator Without Elections’
The meeting comes in the wake of controversial remarks by US President Donald Trump, who recently referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections” on his Truth Social platform. Trump also blamed Ukraine for initiating the war with Russia, a claim strongly refuted by Zelenskyy.
Responding to Trump’s statement, Zelenskyy accused him of spreading Russian disinformation. “Unfortunately, President Trump – I have great respect for him as a leader of a nation that we have great respect for, the American people who always support us – unfortunately lives in this disinformation space,” he said.
European Leaders Stand with Ukraine
Prominent European figures, including UK opposition leader Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have expressed their support for Zelenskyy and condemned Trump’s remarks. Their backing signals continued European solidarity with Ukraine amidst growing geopolitical tensions.
EU Imposes New Sanctions on Russia
In a separate development, the European Union has introduced fresh sanctions against Moscow. These measures target Russian aluminum imports and vessels attempting to bypass the oil price cap. The new sanctions are part of ongoing efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia and limit its ability to finance the war in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s meeting with Kellogg is expected to focus on reinforcing Ukraine’s position in international negotiations and securing stronger diplomatic backing from the US and its allies.
