US Ukraine Envoy Keith Kellogg to Step Down in January Amid New Peace Plan Push

Special Envoy Keith Kellogg to Depart in January 2026

General Keith Kellogg, the United States Special Envoy for Ukraine under President Donald Trump's administration, will step down from his position in January 2026. The White House confirmed Kellogg's impending departure on November 19, 2025. This development comes as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to implement a new peace framework for Ukraine.

Sources close to Kellogg indicate that his departure aligns with the temporary nature of the special envoy designation, which typically requires Senate confirmation to extend beyond 360 days. It is also reported that Kellogg never intended a long-term tenure in the role.

Context of a New Peace Initiative

Kellogg's exit is set against the backdrop of the White House actively pursuing a new peace plan aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. This plan, reportedly approved by President Trump, is a 28-point proposal that seeks to provide security guarantees for both sides.

However, details emerging about the draft proposal suggest it would require significant concessions from Kyiv, including the potential ceding of territory to Russia and limitations on the size of Ukraine's military.

Internal Dynamics and Policy Differences

Throughout his tenure, General Kellogg was widely regarded as a strong advocate for Ukraine within the Trump administration. European diplomats and Ukrainian officials viewed him as a sympathetic voice in an administration that, at times, appeared to lean towards Moscow's perspectives on the conflict.

Reports suggest that Kellogg occasionally clashed with other officials, such as Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff, whose proposals were sometimes perceived as aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin's talking points and advocating for territorial exchanges unfavorable to Ukraine. One reason cited for Kellogg's decision to step down was his belief that there were too many officials involved in Ukraine policy within the administration, and a perceived failure to acknowledge Russia's role in stalling peace negotiations.

Impact on US-Ukraine Relations

Kellogg's departure is expected to be met with concern in Kyiv, where his diplomatic efforts were seen as crucial. He played a significant role in initiatives such as negotiating the U.S.-Ukraine critical minerals deal and securing the release of political prisoners in Belarus. His consistent condemnation of Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure also set him apart from some other administration officials.

The new peace plan, reportedly drafted by US and Russian officials, including Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's senior economic negotiator, has drawn criticism from some Ukrainian officials who have labeled it 'absurd' and a 'capitulation.' President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated he expects to discuss the plan with President Trump, emphasizing the need for a 'dignified peace' that respects Ukraine's independence and sovereignty.