ISTANBUL

US special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, on Friday praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an “embattled and courageous leader” following extensive talks in Kyiv.

In a post on X, Kellogg described discussions with Zelenskyy and his "talented national security team" as "extensive and positive."

Zelenskyy said Thursday that the meeting had “restored hope” amid efforts to end the three-year war.

The praise comes after US President Donald Trump recently criticized Ukraine’s lack of elections, calling Zelenskyy a “dictator.” Zelenskyy criticized this claim, saying Trump lives in a Russian “space of disinformation.”