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Keith Kellogg to Step Down as US Special Envoy for Ukraine in Early 2026
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Keith Kellogg, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine under Donald Trump’s administration, plans to step down from his role as early as January 2026, according to four sources cited by Reuters on November 19.
Kellogg has reportedly shared his intentions to leave the post with close associates. The special envoy position is considered temporary and, under current US law, requires Senate confirmation to extend beyond 360 days—a factor that sources say influenced his decision to depart.
One source told Reuters that Kellogg believes the Trump administration is overcrowded with officials handling the Ukraine portfolio, many of whom, the source claims, fail to acknowledge Russia’s role in stalling peace negotiations.
Another insider noted that Kellogg never intended to serve long-term in the role. He was perceived as one of the few within Trump’s circle willing to seriously engage with European allies and Kyiv’s perspective.
Kellogg was also known for his stronger-than-average condemnation of Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure—a stance that often set him apart from his peers.
Tensions reportedly arose between Kellogg and Steve Witkoff, another special envoy to Ukraine. Witkoff has drawn criticism for echoing Kremlin talking points and advocating for a lopsided territorial settlement that critics say would favor Russia.
Previously, it was reported that President Donald Trump has dispatched a senior War Department delegation to Kyiv as part of a renewed push to restart negotiations with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine.
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