Keith Kellogg, Special Envoy of the U.S. President, said during a visit to Kyiv on Monday, August 25, 2025, that American officials are “working tirelessly” to bring the Russia–Ukraine war to an end.
“This is ongoing work,” Kellogg stated, referring to potential security guarantees aimed at preventing another Russian attack, while attending Ukraine’s annual National Prayer Breakfast alongside politicians, business leaders, and diplomats.
U.S. President Donald Trump launched efforts last week to arrange direct peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though Russian officials have indicated such a summit is not imminent.
Trump said on Friday, August 22, that he expects to decide on next steps within two weeks if direct talks are not scheduled by then.
Meanwhile, concern has been voiced in Kyiv by several world leaders regarding Washington’s peace initiative:
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited on Sunday, pledging 2 billion Canadian dollars in aid.
- German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil arrived Monday, stressing the need for allies to discuss “what happens if Putin chooses to continue the war.”
- Norway committed nearly €600 million in aid for Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Analysts caution that Putin believes he can outlast Western commitment to Ukraine and use the time to seize additional territory before negotiating a truce.
On the battlefield, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 104 drones overnight against northern and eastern regions, while Kyiv continued drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and weapons depots.
