payam Javan: Retired General Keith Kellogg, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Ukraine War, arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday for crucial discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His visit follows a high-stakes meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where a U.S. delegation engaged with Russian officials to explore diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict.

Kellogg emphasized the importance of understanding Ukraine’s security concerns, stating that his primary objective is to “listen” and relay critical insights to former President Donald Trump and his team. His arrival underscores Washington’s commitment to reassessing its approach to the war amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

The Riyadh discussions, led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, marked a key diplomatic milestone. The 4.5-hour meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin’s top foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, resulted in agreements to strengthen diplomatic channels, establish high-level negotiation teams, and outline future frameworks for post-war geopolitical and economic cooperation. However, no concessions were made regarding U.S. sanctions on Russia.

Kellogg’s visit comes as Ukraine approaches the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Upon his arrival at Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi railway station, he acknowledged the protracted nature of the war and reiterated the U.S. commitment to seeking a resolution. His itinerary includes high-level meetings with President Zelenskyy and senior Ukrainian military officials to assess the situation on the ground and inform Washington’s strategic planning moving forward.

This diplomatic engagement highlights renewed efforts to explore avenues for de-escalation while ensuring Ukraine’s security concerns remain a priority in future negotiations.