U.S. President Donald Trump’s Ukraine envoy stated Sunday that both Kyiv and Moscow would need to make concessions to reach a negotiated settlement to the ongoing war.
“I think both sides will give a little bit,” said Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general who recently returned from Ukraine, in a televised interview with Fox News.
According to Kellogg, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already signaled a willingness to soften his stance on territorial disputes. “He has already indicated he will soften his position on land,” he said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin “is going to have to soften his positions as well.”
Growing Pressure on Zelensky
Zelensky has long resisted any territorial concessions, as Russian forces continue to occupy large areas of southeastern Ukraine. However, with mounting battlefield losses and uncertainty over continued U.S. military support, he faces growing pressure to consider negotiations.
For its part, Russia has sought guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO—a key sticking point in previous failed peace efforts.
During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged to bring a quick end to the nearly three-year-old war but has yet to provide details on how he plans to achieve that goal.
Putin Open to Talks—But Not With Zelensky
Last Tuesday, Putin expressed willingness to hold peace talks with Ukraine but ruled out direct negotiations with Zelensky, calling him “illegitimate” due to the expiration of his presidential term.
Ukraine has not held elections since the war began, citing martial law provisions, which Kellogg noted are allowed under the Ukrainian constitution.
Zelensky, in response, accused Putin of being “afraid” of negotiations.
Trump’s Push for a Settlement
Speaking to Fox News on Friday, Kellogg said Trump is eager to reach a resolution. “He wants to get it done,” he stated, expressing confidence that progress could be made.
Asked about a timeline, he responded, “I would like to say it’s months, but it’s not years.”
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has threatened tougher sanctions against Russia while also claiming that Zelensky is prepared to negotiate.
