While Donald Trump has publicly lambasted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator” and accused Ukraine of prolonging the war, his special envoy to the country, retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, struck an entirely different tone following their meeting in Kyiv.

The meeting focused on battlefield conditions, security guarantees, and the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russia.

Why It Matters

Kellogg’s trip to Kyiv coincided with recent feuding between Trump and Zelensky that has bruised their personal relations and cast further doubt on the future of U.S. support for Ukraine’s war effort.

Earlier this week, Trump accused Ukraine of starting the war and claimed Zelensky had lost the support of his people. On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “A dictator without elections, Zelensky better move fast or he is not going to have a country left.”

Zelensky fired back, calling Trump’s accusations Russian “disinformation.”

What To Know

Kellogg’s praise for Zelensky, whom he called “the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war,” stood in sharp contrast to Trump’s rhetoric this week and was underscored by the Ukrainian president himself.

“My meeting with General Kellogg was one that restores hope, and we need strong agreements with the U.S.—agreements that will truly work,” Zelensky posted on social media after their talks.

He stressed the importance of aligning economic and security priorities, adding, “The details of these agreements matter—the better they are structured, the greater the results.” Zelensky also underscored the need for a “clear, reliable system of security guarantees” to deter future Russian aggression.

Kellogg, meanwhile, reiterated his admiration for Zelensky and praised Ukraine’s national security team following what he described as “extensive and positive discussions.”

Notably, Kellogg’s statements avoided mention of the minerals deal or any criticism of Ukraine’s position—both key points of debate this week. A joint press conference had been scheduled for Thursday, but it was abruptly canceled without explanation.

Trump’s Harsh Criticism of Zelensky

Trump has openly questioned Zelensky’s leadership, arguing that the Ukrainian president has failed to make the necessary concessions to end the war. He has also dismissed Zelensky’s domestic support, despite recent polling from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showing that the Ukrainian leader maintains a trust rating above 50 percent.

White House national security adviser Mike Waltz weighed in on the issue this week, suggesting that Trump’s increasingly sharp criticism of Zelensky reflects frustration within the administration over what it sees as the Ukrainian leader’s resistance to negotiating an end to Russia’s invasion.

Meanwhile, Moscow has welcomed Trump’s more conciliatory tone. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused “representatives of the Ukrainian regime” of making “unacceptable” statements toward Russia, signaling the Kremlin’s approval of Trump’s approach.

What People Are Saying

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on X (formerly Twitter): “A day of intense international work. My meeting with General Kellogg was one that restores hope, and we need strong agreements with the U.S.—agreements that will truly work. I have instructed my team to work quickly and very sensibly”.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s Special Envoy for Ukraine, on X: “A long and intense day with the senior leadership of Ukraine. Extensive and positive discussions with @ZelenskyyUa, the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war and his talented national security team”.

Mike Waltz, White House national security adviser, on a press conference: “There needs to be a deep appreciation for what the American people and the American taxpayer, what President Trump did in his first term and what we’ve done since,” Waltz said.

What Happens Next

With the Trump administration seeking to recalibrate U.S.-Ukraine relations, Kellogg’s visit could signal an attempt to maintain diplomatic ties despite Trump’s criticisms.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington, D.C., on separate days next week, as NATO ponders how to deal with the prospect of U.S.-Russia peace negotiations that exclude Ukraine and its European allies.