U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on February 20, 2025, aiming to address concerns and discuss potential pathways to peace amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. This meeting occurred shortly after President Donald Trump referred to Zelensky as a "dictator without elections" and suggested that Ukraine was responsible for initiating the war. 

Kellogg's visit follows high-level discussions between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, from which Ukraine was notably excluded. During his time in Kyiv, Kellogg emphasized the importance of understanding Ukraine's security concerns and conveyed the U.S. administration's interest in facilitating a resolution to the conflict.

President Trump's recent remarks have drawn criticism from various quarters, including European leaders and members of his own party. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described Trump's characterization of Zelensky as "wrong and dangerous," while former Vice President Mike Pence emphasized that Russia, not Ukraine, initiated the unprovoked invasion.

In response to Trump's comments, President Zelensky accused him of succumbing to Russian disinformation and underscored the necessity of fair and inclusive peace negotiations that involve European partners. Despite the tensions, Zelensky expressed hope that the meeting with Envoy Kellogg would lead to constructive outcomes, emphasizing the critical role of U.S. and European support in achieving a durable peace.