U.S. Envoy Keith Kellogg Removed from Russia-Ukraine Talks at Kremlin’s Request

Keith Kellogg, the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, was excluded from recent negotiations after the Kremlin objected to his participation, according to NBC News, citing U.S. officials and a Russian government source.

The retired lieutenant general was absent from two recent summits in Saudi Arabia, where Russian and Ukrainian officials met for peace discussions — despite these talks falling within his official duties. 

Kellogg is a former American general, too close to Ukraine. Not our kind of person, not the caliber we are looking for,a senior Russian official familiar with the Kremlin’s stance said. 

A Trump administration representative confirmed that Russia opposed Kellogg’s involvement.

Kellogg previously proposed a security plan for Ukraine, advocating for military support to prevent Russia from advancing after a ceasefire or peace deal. 

At the February 18 talks in Riyadh, the U.S. delegation included:

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio
  
• National Security Advisor Michael Waltz
  
• CIA Director John Ratcliffe
  
• Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff

Meanwhile, expert Tatiana Stanovaya, Founder/CEO at R.Politik and senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, commented on Putin's recent remarks about a potential ceasefire.

The expert believes Putin’s current stance rejects an unconditional ceasefire, a move that could strain his relationship with Trump and complicate efforts to normalize U.S.-Russia ties.

The expert highlights the refusal not being absolute — the Kremlin has set specific conditions:

• A ceasefire must lead to broader negotiations, specifically under an “Istanbul Plus” framework, which Russia views as a path to Kyiv’s eventual capitulation
• The U.S. must halt military aid to Ukraine
• Kyiv must agree not to use the pause to fortify its defenses or rearm its forces
• Zelenskyy’s political legitimacy must be addressed