Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US special envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv on Monday, just hours after US President Donald Trump confirmed the US would supply Patriot missile systems to Ukraine – part of what’s shaping up to be a major policy shift toward Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Zelensky called the talks “productive” and said they focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, joint weapons production, and ways to move closer to peace.
“We discussed how to bring peace closer, and what we can actually do together – stronger air defense, joint production, and buying weapons with Europe,” Zelensky said as per a press release, published on the President’s Office website.
He also stressed the importance of US leadership in countering Russia’s aggression.
“Moscow won’t stop unless it’s stopped by force,” Zelensky warned, adding that both sides also talked about tougher sanctions on Russia and its allies.
The meeting comes just as Trump prepares to announce a far more aggressive weapons package for Ukraine, according to multiple US media reports, including Axios. The new aid is expected to include long-range missiles and other advanced systems.
Trump is set to unveil the plan during a series of high-level meetings in Washington with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
While the broader strategy is still unfolding in Washington, Kellogg’s visit shows Ukraine is already getting involved behind the scenes. According to Zelensky, Kellogg will receive full intelligence briefings on Russia’s military capabilities and Ukraine’s battlefield outlook.
Top commanders Oleksandr Syrsky and Andriy Hnatov have been tasked with delivering the reports. Kellogg is also expected to meet with Ukraine’s intelligence and security chiefs.
“The information will be complete,” Zelensky said.
On Sunday, Trump confirmed the US would supply Patriot systems to Ukraine. He didn’t say how many would be sent, but made clear they wouldn’t come free.
“We’re not paying anything for them,” he told reporters. “The European Union is paying… and Ukraine will pay us 100 %.”
Asked if more sanctions would be part of Monday’s announcement, Trump said: “We’re going to see what we will see tomorrow.”