KYIV, Ukraine — A planned visit to Kyiv by the United States President-elect Donald Trump’s special representative for Ukraine and Russia has been postponed, though plans will be made to reschedule, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Tuesday.
Keith Kellogg, a retired three-star general recognized for his service and a long-time defense advisor to Trump, was set to engage in discussions with Ukrainian officials. Minister Sybiha emphasized the significance of these meetings, stating that they are “extremely important” for both parties. He expressed optimism regarding a new timeline for the talks, ensuring that their interactions would be as productive as possible during a press conference alongside his Icelandic counterpart.
With Trump scheduled to take office on January 20, there lies additional unpredictability concerning the ongoing war that has lasted almost three years, raising questions about its possible resolution in the near future. Ukraine depends heavily on military assistance from Western allies, particularly the United States, to continue its defense efforts. However, Trump has been critical of the substantial financial support provided by the Biden administration and has claimed he could resolve the conflict in just a day, without giving details on how he plans to achieve that.
Ukrainian leaders are keen to persuade Trump to maintain his support for the country. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken highly of Trump’s “strength” and indicated that the unpredictability associated with the American president could potentially benefit Ukraine. The mood among Ukrainians following Trump’s election last November is a mix of hope and practical realism.
The ongoing war has placed a strain on resources for both sides. Military experts have pointed out that the conflict is particularly unsustainable for Ukraine, whose recent patterns have not favored them in this regard. The country’s army is facing significant pressure, especially in the eastern regions, though officials have noted that their incursion into Russia’s Kursk border area over the past five months indicates weaknesses in Russian defenses.
Ukrainian forces are desperately defending their positions in Kurakhove, a vital eastern stronghold that has faced recent Russian advances after an extended struggle. A military spokesperson confirmed these developments, noting that Russian forces had announced their capture of the town. Despite this, Ukrainian troops are holding positions on the outskirts while Russian attacks relentlessly target urban centers, a strategy they have applied throughout eastern and southern Ukraine.
The situation in Kurakhove remains precarious, as articulated by Viktor Trehubov, a spokesperson for the local Ukrainian army, who stated that much of the town has suffered extensive destruction. Trehubov explained that when a town reaches total devastation, it becomes challenging to maintain defense because there are no longer adequate positions for troops.
“Every building can serve as a fortification, but without any structures remaining, it becomes impossible to sustain a defense,” he noted, highlighting the challenges faced by defenders amid a landscape reduced to scorched earth.
