US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has told his colleagues that he plans to leave his job in the administration in January, four sources told Reuters.
According to their sources, Kellogg said January would be a natural starting point given the current legislation.
One person with knowledge of Kellogg’s decision said he never intended to stay in the administration for long.
News of the move comes amid reports that a new draft peace agreement proposed by the United States includes significant concessions from Ukraine, particularly on territory and weapons. This framework proposal was led by US special envoy for peacekeeping missions Steve Whitkoff, and Kellogg does not appear to have been involved in its drafting.
Kellogg has strongly condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure. According to media reports, he has at times clashed with Whitkoff, who has echoed some of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s talking points and has long favoured a lopsided land swap as part of a long-term peace agreement.
The White House and the U.S. State Department did not respond to requests for comment.
It’s unclear who – if anyone – will replace Kellogg. The United States has yet to nominate a Senate-confirmed ambassador to Ukraine. Career diplomat Julie Fischer was appointed in May as chargé d’affaires of the U.S. mission in Kiev.
As Reuters notes, Kellogg’s resignation would mean the loss of a key advocate for Ukraine in the Trump administration. The president’s special envoy is a temporary appointment, and such envoys theoretically must be confirmed by the Senate to remain in their posts for more than 360 days.
US Presidential Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg has regularly visited Kiev, in particular in August he participated in Independence Day celebrations. He held meetings with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities.