Russian officials have communicated to their U.S. counterparts that they do not want Russia-Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg involved in top-level discussions aimed at ending the Ukraine war, according to a U.S. official and another source familiar with the matter.
Kellogg has been absent from recent high-level discussions, including a meeting in Saudi Arabia with U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and a Ukrainian delegation. He was also not present at a similar Russia-U.S. meeting in February. However, it remains unclear whether his absence was directly linked to Russia’s request.
A U.S. official stated that Washington had not complied with Moscow’s request, noting that Eli Rosner, a high-ranking member of Kellogg’s staff, attended the latest Saudi meeting on his behalf.
The National Security Council defended Kellogg’s role, with spokesperson James Hewitt emphasizing his efforts in resolving the Ukraine conflict.
The Kremlin’s stance, first reported by NBC News, comes amid claims from some former Russian officials that Kellogg is too sympathetic to Kyiv. A retired lieutenant general, Kellogg has been vocal in criticizing Russian aggression, including a Christmas Day attack on Ukraine.
Despite these tensions, Kellogg remains a key figure in Trump’s administration, having previously served as National Security Council chief of staff and as National Security Adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence. His influence in shaping U.S. policy on Ukraine continues, with supporters noting his value in offering diverse perspectives within Trump’s team.
