An upcoming trip to Kyiv by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia has been canceled but will be rescheduled, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The planned meetings between the retired three-star general, Keith Kellogg, who has been a top adviser on defense issues for Trump, and Ukrainian officials are deemed 'extremely important' by Sybiha.
Sybiha expressed confidence that the meeting will take place at a later date and mentioned ongoing efforts to define a clear timeline for its organization to ensure its significance.
Uncertainty Looms Over Ukraine-Russia Conflict with Trump's Presidency
With Trump set to assume office on January 20, uncertainties surround the almost 3-year-old conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine, facing a formidable adversary in Russia, heavily relies on Western, particularly U.S., military support to sustain its fight.
Trump's past criticisms of the financial aid provided by the Biden administration to Ukraine and his claims of being able to end the war swiftly have raised concerns and questions about the future dynamics of the conflict.
Ukrainian Officials Seek to Influence Trump's Stance on Ukraine
Ukrainian officials are keen on persuading Trump to maintain support for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lauded Trump's perceived strength and unpredictability, suggesting that these traits could work in Ukraine's favor.
Despite expressing hope, Ukrainians remain pragmatic about the implications of Trump's election victory, given the ongoing strain the war imposes on both sides. Military analysts highlight the challenges faced by Ukraine due to its limited resources compared to Russia, although recent incursions into Russia's Kursk border region have showcased vulnerabilities on the Russian side.
For more updates on the war in Ukraine, visit AP's coverage.