Can there be peace in Ukraine, or is Putin just playing for time?
NPR Online News9 hours ago
Trump's Ukraine Envoy Meets Zelenskyy Amid Spat With US
Above: Retired Gen. Keith Kellogg (L), US Pres. Donald Trump's special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy (R) meet in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Maxym Marusenko/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Facts
After the first half of the week passed with US Pres. Donald Trump and Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy exchanging a number of barbs, Trump's special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Keith Kellogg, was in Kyiv for a meeting with Zelenskyy on Thursday in the hopes of mending relations and bringing Ukraine back into the fold.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy's spokesperson told reporters that there was no joint statement at the request of Washington. However, Zelenskyy wrote on social media that the meeting with Kellogg was "one that restores hope," adding that Ukraine needs strong agreements with the US and that he has instructed his team to work towards that end.
Zelenskyy added that during the meeting, they discussed "the frontline situation, the need to free all our prisoners of war held in Russia, and the necessity of a clear, reliable system of security guarantees — one that ensures this war never returns and that Russia never destroys lives again."
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Zelenskyy needs to have a long, hard look at this latest agreement and acknowledge that, after all the US has done for Ukraine, it was unacceptable for him to disrespect President Trump and see that this is a great deal for Ukraine. Not only will it unlock great potential for both countries — if the US is invested in Ukraine's resources — it's the best way to guarantee American security.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Zelenskyy had a good discussion with Kellogg in which they discussed the battlefield situation, effective security guarantees, and the agreement on rare earth minerals. Zelenskyy understands that strong relationships are needed with the US so he has instructed his team to work as diligently as possible on reaching an agreement.