Former National Security Adviser Keith Kellogg has outlined the steps Ukraine must take to restore U.S. military aid and intelligence support.
According to Kellogg, who was tapped by President Trump as a peace envoy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must sign a rare minerals agreement with the U.S. to strengthen bilateral ties and demonstrate a commitment to cooperation.
Kellogg suggested that the suspension of aid resulted from Zelenskyy’s mismanagement of the conflict and his public challenges to President Trump’s policies. He emphasized that Trump’s administration is open to resuming support but expects Ukraine to align with Trump’s diplomatic approach.
Kellogg also stressed the importance of private negotiations between Trump and Zelenskyy, noting that the U.S. president aims to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
As part of this strategy, Kellogg and former CIA analyst Fred Fleitz have proposed a ceasefire agreement as a prerequisite for continued U.S. aid. If Ukraine agrees to peace negotiations and Russia fails to comply, the U.S. would consider increasing its military assistance.
“The ball is in Ukraine’s court,” Kellogg said during a forum at the Council on Foreign Relations, highlighting that Zelenskyy’s willingness to cooperate could determine future U.S. involvement.
The rare minerals agreement, coupled with Ukraine’s participation in peace talks, is now viewed as a critical factor in unlocking further American military and intelligence support.