Keith Kellogg to step down as Special Envoy in January – media

Reuters reported this on Wednesday, citing four separate sources, according to Ukrinform.

“The departure that would mean the loss of a key advocate for Ukraine in the Trump administration,” the outlet noted.

The retired lieutenant general is viewed, both in Ukraine and in European diplomatic circles, as a sympathetic interlocutor for Ukraine within an administration that has at times leaned toward Moscow’s view of the ongoing war.

News of Kellogg’s departure comes as Ukraine faces new challenges on the diplomatic front. Numerous U.S. media outlets report that the Trump administration is proposing that Ukraine accept a U.S.- and Russia-developed framework agreement to end the war. It reportedly requires Kyiv to give up territory, relinquish part of its weaponry, and reduce the size of its Armed Forces.

Another Trump special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is responsible for this proposal on the American side. At the same time, Reuters notes that Kellogg does not appear to have been involved in drafting it.

According to the sources, Kellogg maintains strong ties with Trump. However, it was also noticed that he was not present during the most recent meeting between Trump and Zelensky at the White House in October. Some allies attribute this to “administration infighting”.

It remains unclear who might replace Kellogg — if anyone is appointed at all. The United States has not yet appointed a Senate-confirmed ambassador to Ukraine.

As reported by Ukrinform, the diplomatic mission in Kyiv is currently headed by career diplomat Julie Davis, who was appointed chargé d’affaires in May.

Photo: Gen. Keith Kellogg / X