Former U.S. envoy Kellogg pointed out Ukraine’s successful long-range strikes targeting Russian oil infrastructure, leading to fuel shortages in Russia and temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine. He expressed confidence that Ukraine is beginning to change the dynamics of the battlefield in its favor.
Kellogg, who served as a special envoy under Trump, remarked that for the first time since 2023, Ukrainians are gaining an advantage over Russian forces. He stated, “I would bet more money on the Ukrainians than on the Russians” given the current situation.
He also suggested that this shift in battlefield momentum could affect Trump’s perspective on the war, noting that the President “likes winners.” Recently, Trump commented positively on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, indicating that he believes Zelensky is performing well amid the ongoing conflict.
TVP World reported that Kellogg, a retired general with 36 years of service in the U.S. Army, was appointed by Trump as a special envoy for Ukraine and Russia before leaving the administration on December 31, 2025, to speak freely about the war initiated by Russia.
Context
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated on April 22 that Ukraine’s position on the battlefield is the “strongest” it has been in the past year, with drone utilization minimizing Russian advantages.
- Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov claimed on June 16 that Ukraine will definitely have an advantage on the front within the next six months.
- On June 23, Financial Times reported that during a G7 leaders’ meeting, Trump was “extremely impressed and captivated” by Ukraine’s recent successes against Russian targets, a statement that disappointed Russia.
- Also on June 23, Kyiv Independent noted that Trump advised Zelensky to be “bolder” against Russia during a private conversation at the G7 summit.
