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Keith Kellogg Calls for New Defense Alliance Including Ukraine
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Retired Lieutenant General, served as the United States Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg has called for the establishment of a new defense system, suggesting that NATO has failed to respond effectively to global challenges.
During an appearance on Fox News on April 2, Kellogg criticized current members of the alliance for their position on the situation in Iran. He argued that the United States should evaluate its existing partnerships and consider leaving the bloc.
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Kellogg stated that "NATO is turning into cowards. Maybe we need a new NATO, a new defense system." He pointed to Article 13 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which allows a member state to leave the alliance one year after providing official notice.
"Redraw the defense alignments we have, maybe create one with Japan and Australia and some of those European nations that are willing to go into the fight, like the new, reengaged Germany or Poland, as well. Even Ukraine, which has proven to be a good ally as well," Kellogg said.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo supported this perspective, describing the current state of the alliance as "terrible." He noted that the United States must fundamentally reconsider which partners can be relied upon for critical missions.
Former Deputy National Security Advisor Victoria Coates added that the organization has shown its "insignificance" by failing to manage the largest war in Europe since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Coates suggested that successful cooperation between the US and Israel shows that Washington can reach its security goals with motivated allies without relying on large, slow structures. These discussions follow comments from President Donald Trump, who described the organization as a "paper tiger." He criticized European partners for not taking enough military responsibility, specifically regarding security measures intended to lower global oil prices.
The situation progressed on April 1, 2026, when the White House confirmed it was considering a scenario to withdraw from NATO. This follows a refusal by allies to support a US operation against Iran, which the administration viewed as a betrayal of shared security interests.
While the legal process for leaving the treaty is complex, the administration may begin by limiting financial contributions and moving US military personnel from major bases in Europe.
During the Munich Security Conference and subsequent briefings at NATO headquarters, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg emphasized that no peace agreement would be imposed on Ukraine, asserting that the decision to end the war rested solely with the Ukrainian people and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Kellogg noted that his primary role involved securing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine that would avoid the failures of past agreements like Minsk-2.
While coordinating a planned meeting in Kyiv, he consulted with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to ensure a collective effort toward a just peace, highlighting the Trump administration’s commitment to mediating negotiations while prioritizing Ukrainian sovereignty.
