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Michael_Novakhov shared this story from  The Kyiv Independent.
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Keith Kellogg, the former U.S. envoy to Ukraine, met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Aug. 22 to discuss Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense missiles, as Russia continues to intensify its attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Kellogg, previously regarded as one of the most pro-Ukrainian voices in the White House, left his position in 2025 but said his work in support of Ukraine would continue after leaving his government role.
Zelensky said on social media that he discussed with Kellogg Ukraine’s shortage of Patriot air defense missiles, which the Presidential Office described as an “absolute priority” for Ukraine’s defense needs. Zelensky reiterated to Kellogg the country’s willingness to purchase the interceptor missiles ahead of what is expected to be yet another gruelling winter.
Russia has been exploiting Ukraine’s shortage of protection against ballistic missiles, hammering cities with intense, frequent bombardments. Recent attacks over the last few days killed 16 people at a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih on Aug. 21 and 15 people in Kyiv on Aug. 20.
Kellogg’s visit to Kyiv comes a day after the former official visited Odesa on Aug. 21 as part of a working group analysis Russia’s ongoing attacks on port infrastructure.
The U.S. delegation led by Kellogg was shown the damage from Russian attacks on port infrastructure and briefed on measures being taken to maintain operations, the Infrastructure Ministry said.
Amid Zelensky’s calls for more Patriot interceptor missiles from allies, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Aug. 22 that France will speed up the delivery of missiles and other military equipment following a nearly two-hour-long phone call between the two leaders.
Macron also agreed to help Kyiv in its communications with international partners that possess Patriot air defense systems, according to Zelensky. The president has repeatedly said that Patriots are critical for protecting Ukrainian civilians.