Trump's emissary Kellogg attends training exercise with Ukrainian National Guard - video recording
In a significant show of support, Keith Kellogg, the US President’s Special Representative for Ukraine, visited the training facilities of Ukraine's National Guard in Kyiv on July 16, 2025. Accompanied by NGU Commander Brigadier General Oleksandr Pivnenko, Kellogg observed the preparations of Ukrainian guardsmen, their equipment, and the use of modern battlefield technologies.
During the visit, Kellogg commended the high quality of training and the courage of Ukrainian soldiers. He noted that Ukraine’s combat experience is already valuable for the armies of other countries, a recognition that underscores the advanced level and effectiveness of Ukraine’s current military training programs.
The training demonstrated included the operation of tanks, combat vehicles, drones, and robotic systems. Kellogg and the US delegation’s attention to simulators and robotic systems suggests ongoing US interest in supporting technological modernization and improving combat readiness in Ukraine’s forces.
The visit also marked active cooperation on military modernization, as Kellogg discussed with Ukrainian officials joint projects for localizing production of air defense systems and other weapons in Ukraine and Europe. This could enhance Ukraine's self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Kellogg’s direct engagement with Ukrainian military training and technology conveys strong US support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries. Zelenskyy noted that the absence of Kremlin shelling during Kellogg’s visit signals Russia’s wariness towards American involvement, underscoring the political weight of this high-level interaction.
Overall, the visit emphasizes a deepening military and diplomatic collaboration, positioning the United States as a key ally in enhancing Ukraine’s military effectiveness and strategic resilience amid ongoing conflict. The visit signifies a strengthened US commitment to advancing Ukraine’s military training, modernization, and defense industry localization while also affirming continuing diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and peace negotiations. This visit not only boosts Ukraine’s tactical capabilities but also solidifies US-Ukraine military and political relations during a critical phase of the conflict.
Sources: [1] The Kyiv Independent, July 17, 2025, "US Special Representative for Ukraine visits National Guard training facilities in Kyiv" [2] The Washington Post, July 17, 2025, "Keith Kellogg’s visit to Ukraine underscores US support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities" [3] Reuters, July 17, 2025, "U.S. delegation observes Ukrainian National Guard training, discusses military modernization projects"
In the wake of this visit, it's clear that the state of Ukraine's health in terms of military preparedness has caught the attention of international circles, particularly the US economy's interest in supporting technological modernization, as evidenced by the focus on simulators and robotic systems. The political ramifications of this interaction extend beyond the conflict zone, with the war-and-conflicts landscape seemingly influenced by this strengthened US-Ukraine partnership. General news outlets are abuzz with discussions on the implications of this strategic collaboration for Ukraine's sovereignty and peace negotiations.
