Kellogg called Zelensky a 'determined and courageous leader' after talks in Kyiv.

U.S. representative for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg shared his impressions of his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. He called him a 'determined and courageous leader of a country at war.'

'A long and intense day with the senior leadership of Ukraine. Extensive and positive discussions with Zelensky, the determined and courageous leader of a nation at war, and his talented national security team,' Kellogg wrote on social media X.

The American official visited Ukraine amid a difficult situation between Kyiv and Washington following U.S. President Donald Trump's statement about Zelensky being a 'dictator' and calling for a peace agreement with Russia.

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. — Keith Kellogg (@generalkellogg) February 21, 2025

Despite this, Ukrainian and American negotiators are actively discussing an agreement regarding critically important minerals, including minerals that violate Ukrainian legislation. Zelensky rejected the initial U.S. proposal, stating that it did not align with Ukraine's interests. After the meeting with Kellogg, the president stated that negotiations 'restored hope.'

'We need strong agreements with the United States - agreements that will truly work,' Zelensky said in a nation address. 'Economics and security must always go hand in hand.'

According to a Bloomberg source, the ideal scenario involves signing an agreement with the participation of the presidents of the U.S. and Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized the meeting with Trump before the meeting with Putin.

According to Axios, Zelensky angered Trump during peace negotiations with Russia.