**US Envoy Omitted from Ukraine Peace Talks**
The US special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, was not included in recent peace talks between Russia and the United States. The Kremlin said it did not want him present at the talks.
According to a Russian official, President Vladimir Putin did not want Kellogg involved because he is seen as too sympathetic to Ukraine. This exclusion comes despite Kellogg’s efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Kellogg had previously co-authored a peace plan that would freeze the front line in Ukraine, lift some sanctions on Russia, and provide US military aid to Ukraine. He also called for strong security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression.
**New Negotiator Steps In**
In place of Kellogg, Trump‘s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has taken a leading role in negotiations with Russia. Witkoff visited Moscow on March 13 to discuss the proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.
Ukraine agreed to the ceasefire if Russia adheres to it. Russian President Putin said Russia is ready to agree to the ceasefire but demands guarantees that Kyiv will not mobilize or train troops, nor receive military aid during this time.
**Kellogg’s Role Uncertain**
Experts believe Kellogg may still have a role in brokering peace between Ukraine and Russia, particularly regarding US-Europe relations. However, others suspect he has been fully sidelined from these negotiations.