Why Kellogg came to Ukraine: what’s behind the week-long visit
14 July 12:11
Today, July 14, US Special Representative Keith Kellogg arrived in Kyiv for a week-long visit. This visit has aroused considerable interest among Ukrainians, as it may be of key importance for the future policy of the United States towards Ukraine, especially in the context of the war with Russia. Political analysts believe that the main purpose of the visit is to assess the internal situation in Ukraine and determine the areas of support from the United States. [ Kommersant asked political analysts about the goals and significance of this visit.
Assessment of the internal situation in Ukraine
Volodymyr Fesenko, a prominent Ukrainian political anal yst, emphasizes that Kellogg’s visit is informational and analytical in nature, aimed at assessing the internal situation in Ukraine and determining the country’s needs in countering Russian aggression.
“I think he came for a long time, almost a week, judging by the preliminary reports. First of all, in order to assess the internal situation in Ukraine directly, from the inside, with his own eyes. First of all, the military situation, the situation on the front lines, the situation with air strikes. And, in general, Ukraine’s ability to withstand the continuation of the war,” the political scientist said.
The expert emphasizes that Kellog may visit not only Kyiv but also other regions:
“I think it will be not only in Kyiv. He will be in Ukraine for several days, so it is likely that he will visit the frontline regions. Meetings with the military are highly likely. And an assessment of our military and economic potential to withstand a Russian invasion.”
The issue of American aid
An important component of the visit will be negotiations on future US aid. Fesenko notes changes in approaches to providing support:
“Accordingly, we will discuss how the United States can help Ukraine. It’s not the same as before. We are talking about free aid. Although it is quite likely, judging by recent reports, that some of the weapons from the United States may be free of charge. It will be based on the decisions… not on Biden’s decisions, which is important here, but on the norms of the law that was adopted last year. But it will be, let’s say, branded by Trump.”
Fesenko notes that it does not matter to Ukraine who will “brand” the aid, as long as it is restored.
“It doesn’t matter to us, it matters to Trump. And for us, it is important that the US aid is resumed. But what kind of aid? What exactly do we need, besides, of course, first of all, air defense systems, interceptor missiles, that can help us stop the Russian invasion? I think that Keith Kellogg will find out all this in Ukraine,” the political scientist explained.
The role of information gathering
According to Fesenko, Kellogg acts as a coordinator who will collect information and pass it on to the Trump administration to make further decisions on supporting Ukraine.
“This is what I see as the main purpose of his visit. This is not a visit about specific agreements. Agreements can only be reached with Trump and with people who hold key positions in his administration. Kellogg is a special representative. He acts as a coordinator. Therefore, the main purpose of his visit to Ukraine… He has already met with Zelensky in Rome. The goal is to gather information about our internal situation. Then this information will be conveyed to Trump. And then there will be appropriate decisions on the specific content of arms supplies, what kind of weapons will be provided to us. And what will be the future policy of the United States towards us and towards Russia,” he said.
Fesenko also suggests that during the visit, they may discuss negotiations and possible changes in the Ukrainian government, which is important information for the Trump administration.
“Well, negotiations. Negotiations will also be discussed. But the main thing is to get information about the state of Ukraine. So that Keith Kellogg can see with his own eyes what is happening inside us. And it is possible that there will be a change of government, most likely at this time. This is also important information for Keith Kellogg and the Trump administration,” the political scientist emphasized.
Impact on US policy
Political analyst Oleh Lisnyi draws attention to the duration of the visit, which, in his opinion, indicates the seriousness of the US side’s intentions towards Ukraine.
“The interesting thing about this visit is that it lasts for a whole week. Because, as a rule, visits of this kind last 2-3 days at most. This means that we can talk about the thoroughness of the approach to the security component with regard to Ukraine, of course. This is evidenced by President Zelensky’s statement that he will meet with the Glavkom, as well as with representatives of the SBU, the leadership of the SBU and all intelligence agencies. This suggests that there will be serious consultations and exchange of information, or our side will present its vision of the future of this war or this summer period,” the political analyst said.
Lisnyi believes that Ukraine will try to influence the US position as much as possible by sharing information about the current situation and needs.
“That is, I think Ukraine will try to convey as much as possible to influence America’s position. And what he will bring back… Well, probably quite thorough information that will be the basis, or at least one of the elements of America’s future policy toward Ukraine,” he said.
At the same time, Lisnyi expresses concern that the final decisions will depend on US President Donald Trump, and hopes that this visit will be the basis for further steps.
“However, the only thing that triggers me a little bit is that today Trump will say what will be… or should be said… And I thought it would be better if some steps could be taken on the basis of this meeting, these meetings, this visit. Perhaps this is the next stage. So, definitely, it’s positive, definitely, it’s serious. But we have to understand that in the United States, the decision is final for Trump at this time,” the political scientist summarized.
Conclusions
Keith Kellogg’s visit to Ukraine on July 14, 2025, is an important step in the context of restoring and strengthening US support. According to political analysts, the main purpose of the visit is to assess the internal situation in Ukraine, including the military and economic situation, and to gather information that will form the basis for the Trump administration’s decisions on future policy.
Although no specific agreements are expected during the visit, the length of the visit and the scheduled meetings with key Ukrainian officials indicate a serious approach to cooperation. For Ukraine, this is an opportunity to communicate its vision and needs in order to influence future US support.
