• Special envoy Keith Kellogg is reportedly departing his role amid being sidelined from key Ukraine negotiations
  • His portfolio was recently narrowed from dual Russia-Ukraine responsibilities to focus solely on Ukraine
  • High-level peace talks are now being led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz

Keith Kellogg, appointed by President Trump as special envoy to Ukraine, is set to leave his post in January, according to people familiar with the matter. The departure comes as Kellogg has been increasingly excluded from the administration's central Ukraine peace negotiations in recent weeks.

The envoy's role was deliberately narrowed when President Trump recently removed Russia from Kellogg's title, designating him exclusively as a Ukraine envoy after previously holding a dual portfolio. This administrative shift coincided with Kellogg's absence from recent high-level talks, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff have taken the lead on negotiations.

Kellogg postponed a planned visit to Ukraine earlier this month for undisclosed legal reasons, according to officials briefed on the matter. His sidelining is viewed by some administration insiders as indicative of a shift within Trump's team, with members skeptical of continued robust support for Ukraine growing in influence.

The changing dynamics come as Rubio and Waltz, both seen as strong Russia hawks, now represent the administration's public face in negotiations that have recently produced a potential breakthrough on an interim ceasefire plan. These talks have included discussions in Saudi Arabia and cover economic elements, including an agreement to open Ukrainian rare earth mineral deposits to U.S. investment.

Russian officials have denied influencing U.S. decisions regarding Kellogg's role, though speculation persists that he was sidelined due to his hawkish, pro-Ukraine stance. Kellogg was reportedly popular among pro-Ukraine factions in NATO and Kyiv because of his tough position on Russia.

The timing coincides with heightened anxiety in Europe over Trump's commitment to NATO, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's recent visit to Washington underscoring these concerns. Kellogg began working with Trump in 2015 and became involved in Russia-Ukraine diplomacy in early 2025.

Multiple attempts to reach Kellogg for comment through State Department channels were unsuccessful. A White House spokesperson declined to comment on personnel matters.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timing of Kellogg's planned departure. He is expected to leave in January, not December.