PARIS — This week, senior advisers from the Trump administration are set to engage with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Munich Security Conference, aiming to chart a course toward ending Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly three years.
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, serving as Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, indicated that the White House is finalizing the details for these crucial discussions at the annual gathering focused on international security.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Kellogg are confirmed to be part of the delegation traveling to Germany for the summit, where they plan to engage in significant talks with Zelenskyy and his team.
“To optimize the process, it would be beneficial for Zelenskyy if we convened and deliberated as a group,” Kellogg stated.
Trump mentioned that he would “probably” speak with Zelenskyy during the week.
The U.S. president also noted that his administration would utilize the Munich conference to gauge the level of support European nations are willing to offer Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion led by President Vladimir Putin.
Kellogg, alongside other officials, has been actively meeting with European diplomats to discuss strategies concerning Ukraine.
The discussions in Munich represent the first substantial opportunity for Trump’s top aides to communicate the administration’s foreign policy vision regarding the conflict that Trump has criticized as overly costly for American taxpayers.
He reiterated concerns over Europe’s insufficient contributions to the situation, arguing that European nations should reimburse the U.S. for the financial assistance provided to Ukraine.
“We will outline our expectations to our allies,” Kellogg explained. “Upon returning from Munich, we aim to present the president with viable options that shape his approach to the peace process.”
Trump, who previously claimed he could swiftly conclude the war, has also suggested that discussions with Russian officials have commenced under his administration. While he confirmed contact with Putin, he refrained from sharing further details about these discussions.
In recent statements, Trump expressed a desire to secure access to Ukraine’s rare earth materials as a prerequisite for ongoing U.S. support in the conflict against Russia. He revealed that his team is working on forging such an agreement.
“Our personnel are currently negotiating arrangements that would allow us to obtain mineral resources and oil in exchange for our financial support,” Trump remarked. “We need to clarify the rationale behind our assistance.”
Kellogg affirmed that an agreement regarding rare earth materials could bolster continuous American economic support for Ukraine.
“Absolutely,” Kellogg confirmed about the deal potentially facilitating sustained U.S. support for Ukraine. “The economic ramifications could further enable assistance to the Ukrainians.”
Vance, leading the delegation, is scheduled to arrive in Munich on Thursday as part of his first international mission since taking office as vice president.
Currently in Paris for an artificial intelligence summit, he is set to meet with key leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The situation in Ukraine is expected to feature prominently in those discussions.
Like Trump, Vance has been vocal in his criticism of the Biden administration’s strategy of allocating billions in military aid to Ukraine.
