“We found a balance between the interests of Ukraine and the USA.” The head of Ukrainian intelligence assesses cooperation with Donald Trump. He talks about key characters
Kyiv Post: Do you think the position of Donald Trump towards Ukraine has actually changed? Will it become more pro -Ukrainian now?
Almost everyone changes their position on some matter – whether under the influence of circumstances or new information. There are many factors that can affect this. Has Donald Trump's position changed? Yes and no. He was never an opponent of Ukraine. We must not forget that the first deliveries of American weapons arrived during his first term.
Another issue is that his position should be a reasonable pro -Ukrainian, but above all it must be pro -American. He is the president of the United States and defends the interests of his country. We may like it or not, but it was, it is and will be.
Another issue is that we can and must influence the decisions of the US President – through diplomacy, through contacts in its surroundings. And this is what influenced the evolution of his position on help for Ukraine. Recently, we managed to find a balance between the interests of Ukraine and the United States.
Speaking of Donald Trump's team, who can be called Ukraine's best friends?
The most important thing for Ukraine is that there are no enemies of Ukraine in this team. Of course, there are people who, to put it mildly, are skeptical about the help provided to us. But there are also those who consider her definitely insufficient. In this context, the Secretary of USA Marco Rubio, as well as a special envoy of the US President for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, can be mentioned first.
Their position is absolutely clear – help for Ukraine is in the national interest of the United States. Therefore, it should be continued and increased both in terms of quantity and qualitatively.
Recently, Keith Kellogg has become the main hero of news about the Russian-Ukrainian war. Was his definite position on the support of Ukraine unexpected?
This position did not appear yesterday. Keith Kellogg supported Ukraine before full invasion. He served as the National Security Advisor of the US President during the first term of Donald Trump. Already then he belonged to “Jastrzębi” in the Republican Party who were in favor of a hard position towards Russia and Putin.
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After starting the full -glass invasion, he repeatedly criticized the previous administration for undecided actions and constant fear of exceeding the mythical “red lines” by Putin. He clearly stated that the United States must conduct efforts to achieve a fair peace. He emphasized that Ukraine must receive a modern weapon not only for effective defense, but also to conduct a counteroffensive. His position in this matter is absolutely clear.
His vision does not always coincide with the vision of the current administration.
Not really. President Trump is a pragmatist and thoughts in terms of mutual benefits. You can agree or criticize it, but that's how the world works.
As for the position of Keith Kellogg, he was one of the first who lobbyed for providing Ukraine with ATACMS systems and F-16 aircraft. He also lobbyed for allocating Ukraine additional Patriot systems and interception shells. This will help protect thousands of Ukrainians – above all civilians.
Special USA Messenger for Ukraine Keith Kellogg in Brussels, June 12, 2025.
It clearly says that help for Ukraine is fully consistent with the “America First” policy. Ultimately, we have a common enemy. And for America, the weakness of Russia is strategic today without sending their own soldiers. In the long run, this also affects the situation in the Pacific region. But this is a completely different story.
So do you highly evaluate Keith Kellogg's work in Ukraine?
We must understand that Mr. Kellogg's work is not limited to contacts with the Ukrainian side. He actively cooperates with all our Western partners. This is a complex set of important issues that require a solution.
For example, before visiting Kiev, he participated in Rome in a conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine. He had several meetings with participants regarding future investments. In general, Keith Kellogg is in favor of the introduction of a special “Marshall plan” for the post -war reconstruction of Ukraine.
In turn, after a visit to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg participated in events in Germany. The recent progress in the supply of air defense systems is largely associated with its efforts.
He actively participates in negotiations regarding the defense of Ukraine and the conclusion of peace. Perhaps that is why his actions are so disturbing Russia.
Therefore, his work should be assessed comprehensively.
Did you have personal contact with Keith Kellogg during his visit?
Of course, such contacts took place. It was an extremely intensive visit with a tight schedule. Keith Kellogg used his time as effectively as possible.
There were several meetings with the participation of Hur. Not all of them should now be discussed, but we organized, for example, a joint press conference. We were present: me and gene. [Wadym] Skibiski, as well as the commander of the armed forces, the Chief of General Staff and the Minister of Defense. We discussed the current situation on the battlefield, preparation for future activities and Russia's military plans until 2036.
There was also a very important moment when Mr. Kellogg could personally watch fragments of the latest Russian weapon and verify that a significant part of its electronic components was produced by Western companies. In other words, with his own eyes he found out that it is important not only to impose sanctions, but also strict monitoring of their enforcement. Russia is still armoring to a large extent thanks to “gray zones”, which allow it to buy electronics covered with sanctions.
I hope that Keith Kellogg will be able to convince other members of the American administration to this. It is, after all, in line with the national interests of the United States.
How optimistically do you look at the future development of relations between Ukraine and the United States?
I have never lost optimism in this matter. America is our friend. Yes, our relations are not always easy. But ultimately we always find a common plane of the agreement. The fact that Keith Kellogg is currently the main representative of the US interests regarding the end of the war indicates the validity of this approach. We are strategic partners. And our cooperation strengthens both countries.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
