Trump Envoy's Remarks with Zelenskyy Canceled Amid Political Tensions

A planned news conference between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. envoy Kellogg was canceled, shifting to a photo opportunity amid rising tensions over the ongoing war with Russia.

The event was originally supposed to include comments from Zelenskyy and retired U.S. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, but it was changed at the last minute to a simple photo opportunity where the two leaders posed for journalists. They did not deliver statements or take questions.

A Ukrainian presidential spokesman said the U.S. requested the change.

Zelenskyy thanked Kellogg for the United States' "assistance provided and for the bicameral and bipartisan support," according to a readout from Zelenskyy's office.

"The President emphasized the importance for Ukraine and the whole world to feel the strength of the United States." Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keith Kellogg discussed the battlefield situation, the return of all Ukrainian prisoners, and the establishment of effective security guarantees.

Kellogg called the discussions with Zelenskyy "extensive and positive." He described Zelenskyy as a "courageous leader of a nation at war."