The negotiation process involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia has effectively come to a standstill, according to Kit Kellogg, a former US envoy. He noted that this pause may have some beneficial aspects.
Kellogg remarked, “Remember the two mediators working on Iran, Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are also mediators between Ukraine and Russia. You cannot be in two places at once. So it is good that they are currently engaged with Iran, and I believe the negotiation process is effectively suspended. This is not a bad thing. It is actually good.”
He further stated that the US’s focus on other geopolitical issues has left Ukraine to continue its struggle against Russia independently, a situation he assessed as being managed effectively by Ukrainian forces.
On the topic of sanctions, Kellogg indicated that the US sanctions package against Russia is “not yet complete.” He did not confirm any easing of restrictions and emphasized that pressure from Washington remains in place.
Discussing the nature of dialogues between the involved parties, he highlighted that any form of communication can be viewed as a positive sign, even if it is limited in scope.
Regarding security assessments, Kellogg asserted that the Baltic states and Eastern Europe are currently secure. He expressed doubt about Russia’s military capacity to extend the conflict beyond its existing battlefield. “Yes, they are safe. I think people are overly concerned, and I would not worry about this. I believe everyone needs to relax a bit and not get too carried away. I do not think Putin has the capability to move into the Baltics or Poland, or to expand his operations beyond where he is currently active,” Kellogg stated. He added that “Ukrainians have effectively destroyed the Russian military.”
In closing, Kellogg mentioned that US President Donald Trump advocates for an end to the prolonged conflict and aims for a peaceful resolution, confirming plans for a visit to Ukraine in late summer 2026.
It is noteworthy that Kellogg, the former special representative for Ukraine and Russia, has previously stated that Russia is failing to achieve its objectives in the war and is not winning. He emphasized the need to return to the negotiation table and called for dialogue from Moscow.
Former US envoy Kit Kellogg reports that negotiations between Ukraine, the US, and Russia have stalled, suggesting this may allow Ukraine to manage its conflict with Russia more effectively. He also discussed ongoing sanctions and the security situation in Eastern Europe.