Trump’s Ukraine Envoy Postpones Kyiv Trip Amid War Uncertainty

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A planned trip to Kyiv by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump‘s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, has been postponed but will be rescheduled, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced Tuesday. The meetings, described as “extremely important” by Sybiha, were intended to discuss Trump’s commitment to ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and his broader foreign policy goals, including the acquisition of Greenland and the Panama Canal.

Sybiha expressed confidence that the meeting would take place at a later date, emphasizing ongoing coordination to ensure its significance. “We are in contact to clearly define the timeline for its organization and to ensure that the meeting is as meaningful as possible,” he said during a news conference alongside Iceland’s Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir.

Trump’s impending presidency, set to begin on Jan. 20, 2025, has introduced uncertainty into Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukraine relies heavily on Western military aid, particularly from the U.S., to sustain its defense efforts. However, Trump has criticized the billions of dollars spent on Ukraine under the Biden administration and has claimed he could end the war within 24 hours, though he has not detailed how.

Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are working to influence Trump’s stance on continued support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy has described Trump’s “unpredictability” as potentially advantageous for Ukraine, while many Ukrainians remain apprehensive about the implications of Trump’s election victory.

The war has taken a heavy toll on both sides, with Ukrainian forces struggling to maintain their defenses in key areas like Kurakhove, a town in eastern Ukraine that has seen intense fighting. Viktor Trehubov, a local Ukrainian army spokesperson, described the situation as “very difficult,” noting that much of the town has been destroyed, making it nearly impossible to hold defensive positions.

As the conflict drags on, Ukraine’s ability to sustain its resistance remains in question, with military analysts highlighting the strain on its undermanned army. The postponement of Kellogg’s visit underscores the challenges ahead as Ukraine seeks to secure continued U.S. support under a new administration.