Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently expressed his willingness to consider alternative security options, including nuclear weapons, if the U.S. cannot guarantee a swift path to NATO membership. However, retired Lt. General Keith Kellogg, special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, emphasized that the likelihood of Ukraine regaining its nuclear arms is extremely low.
In 1994, Ukraine relinquished its nuclear weapons to Russia in exchange for assurances of sovereignty and independence, which have been violated by Russia's repeated invasions. Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine should have its arms returned if NATO membership is not promptly granted.
Despite Zelenskyy's openness to meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict, Trump's administration has remained cautious about the potential outcomes. Kellogg stressed the need for concessions from both Kyiv and Moscow for a peace agreement.
The Munich Security Conference, scheduled for Feb. 14-16, will provide an opportunity for Kellogg to engage with world leaders on resolving the Ukraine crisis. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged member nations to increase support for Ukraine to bolster NATO deterrence against Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.
Rutte warned that a favorable outcome for Russia would have significant geopolitical and financial implications for NATO allies. Kellogg will advocate for increased defense spending among NATO allies to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as directed by President Trump.
