NextFin news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered US special envoy Keith Kellogg Ukrainian citizenship during a press conference on Friday in Kiev, the Ukrainian capital. Zelensky praised Kellogg's visits to Kiev, stating that the city’s residents can sleep safely when Kellogg is present, as Russian forces avoid attacking the capital during his visits.
"When Keith Kellogg is in Kiev, the people of Kiev can sleep safely. Thank you. I wish you could visit all cities in Ukraine," Zelensky said. He added, "I am ready to offer General Kellogg citizenship. He can have an apartment—whatever he needs—if it can make Russia lay down its weapons."
The Ukrainian president also compared Kellogg's role to the Patriot missile defense system used by Ukraine, saying Kellogg "is at least as good as Patriot."
The offer and remarks came amid the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began over three and a half years ago. Zelensky reiterated that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s objective remains the occupation of the entire country. He stated, "Putin’s goal is to occupy all of Ukraine. And whatever he says to anyone, it is clear that he has set this war machine in motion and simply cannot stop it unless he fundamentally changes his personal goals."
The meeting between Zelensky and Kellogg took place in Kiev on August 25, as documented by official photographs. The announcement was made public on Friday, September 12, 2025, by Swedish news outlet Aftonbladet citing the Swedish news agency TT.
Keith Kellogg serves as the United States' special envoy to Ukraine, a role that involves diplomatic engagement and support amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky’s offer of citizenship underscores the close cooperation between Ukraine and the United States during this period of war.
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