Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on July 14 in Kyiv with U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, marking their third official meeting, Kyiv Independent reported.

“We discussed the path to peace and what we can realistically do together to bring it closer,” Zelensky wrote on social media platform X.

“This includes strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, joint weapons production and procurement in cooperation with Europe. And, of course, sanctions against Russia and those who assist it.”

Kellogg’s visit follows former President Donald Trump’s promise to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot missile defense systems. If approved, this transfer would mark the first military aid package to Ukraine not initiated by the previous Biden administration.

The shift in approach comes amid Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire, its continued missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, and Kyiv’s mounting pressure to bolster its air defense capabilities.

Kellogg previously met with Zelensky on July 9, ahead of the Recovery Conference, with the Ukrainian president describing their talks as “substantive,” focusing on arms deliveries and sanctions.

Following their discussions in Italy, Zelensky believes both he and Kellogg support efforts by U.S. senators to pass legislation imposing tougher sanctions on Russia and a 500% tariff on imports from countries that purchase Russian oil.

Despite Trump’s attempts to broker a peace deal, two rounds of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in May and June resulted only in limited prisoner exchanges, with Moscow continuing to reject calls for a ceasefire.

The latest U.S. actions indicate a possible reconsideration of Washington’s position amid Russia’s intensified military campaign. | BGNES