A scheduled news conference featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump’s envoy to Ukraine was abruptly canceled, a Ukrainian official said, reportedly at Washington’s request.
The U.S. side had not agreed to the formal format of the media event, according to sources, making the cancellation highly unusual, as no public statements were allowed. Instead, media were only permitted to film retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg entering a meeting room at the presidential palace to greet Zelenskyy, with no questions taken.
The development comes amid escalating tensions between Kyiv and Washington following a series of critical remarks from Trump, who recently labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator.” Concerns also remain over Kellogg’s standing within Trump’s circle, with a Ukrainian source suggesting he may have been sidelined.
The American envoy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday and is set to depart on Friday evening. Zelenskyy has invited him to visit the frontline, though it remains unclear whether the trip will take place.
