Kellogg Signals Breakthrough in Ukraine Peace Talks

People stand near a building hit during the Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Slobozhanske, Dnipro region, Ukraine.

U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg has declared that a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine is “really close,” raising hopes for a breakthrough in Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California, Kellogg emphasized that negotiations are in their final stages, describing them as “the last 10 meters” of a long and difficult process.

According to Kellogg, the deal hinges on resolving two critical issues:

• The future of Ukraine’s Donbas region, long contested by Russian-backed separatists.
• Control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian occupation.

These sticking points remain the primary obstacles to concluding a settlement, but Kellogg expressed optimism that once they are addressed, the rest of the agreement could fall into place.

The envoy’s remarks come as he prepares to step down in January, marking the end of his tenure under President Donald Trump, who has sought to position himself as a “peacemaker” in the conflict. Russia, however, has signaled that it wants radical changes to some U.S. proposals, suggesting that while progress is being made, significant hurdles remain.

The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has caused immense devastation, with millions displaced and casualties estimated in the millions. The prospect of a peace deal offers a glimmer of hope for Ukraine and its allies, though the final outcome will depend on whether both Kyiv and Moscow can compromise on the most contentious issues.

For now, Kellogg’s statement underscores a rare moment of optimism in a conflict that has tested global diplomacy and reshaped international security.