Zelenskyy-Trump Envoy News Conference Abruptly Canceled

A planned news conference between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg was abruptly canceled, reflecting deepening tensions over U.S. efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Donald Trump’s shift in approach toward Russia has added to the strain.

A news conference that was set to follow talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg was unexpectedly called off on Thursday. Instead, the two figures held a brief photo session at Ukraine’s presidential office in Kyiv, without delivering remarks or taking questions.

Ukrainian presidential spokesman Serhii Nikiforov stated that the change was made at the request of the U.S. side. The White House has not commented on the decision.

Kellogg’s visit to Kyiv comes amid escalating tensions between Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, who has shifted U.S. policy on the nearly three-year war. Trump’s recent decision to engage directly with Moscow without including Ukraine in initial talks has drawn criticism from Kyiv.

Trump has also publicly criticised Zelenskyy, calling him “a dictator without elections” and suggesting Ukraine bears some responsibility for the war. In response, Zelenskyy accused Trump of falling for Russian disinformation.

The Ukrainian leader said his meeting with Kellogg covered security guarantees and the return of Ukrainian prisoners from Russia. He reiterated his call for a strong agreement with the U.S. on investment and security.

Meanwhile, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said Trump’s frustration with Zelenskyy stems from what the administration sees as obstacles in Kyiv’s approach to ending the war. He also cited Ukraine’s rejection of a U.S. proposal that would have granted access to Ukrainian minerals as repayment for American military aid.

On Wednesday, Trump warned Zelenskyy to act quickly in negotiations with Moscow, saying he “better move fast” or risk not having a nation to lead.

Copied