U.S. Envoy for Ukraine Kellogg Defends Aid Freeze, Says Kyiv “Brought It on Themselves”

U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg has backed President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily halt military aid to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Associated Press reported on March 7.

Kellogg stated that the pause is already impacting Kyiv, adding that “the Ukrainians did this to themselves.”

“The best way I can describe it is sort of like hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose,” he said. “You got their attention.”

According to Kellogg, Ukrainian officials were informed before last week’s Oval Office meeting that discussions would focus on signing a key agreement on mineral resources. However, he claimed that during the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pressed Trump for increased security assistance instead.

On February 28, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a tense Oval Office meeting, initially intended to finalize a mineral resources agreement. Instead, it turned into a heated exchange, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticizing Zelenskyy for his approach to U.S. aid and urging greater commitment to peace negotiations.

The confrontation ended without a deal, drawing international concern. Shortly after, the Trump administration suspended military aid to Ukraine, including intelligence sharing, citing the meeting as a key factor.