Trump labeled Ukraine envoy ‘idiot’ for backing Zelensky – NYT
Posted on: Jan 01, 2026 19:42 IST | Posted by: Rt
US chairwoman Donald ruff has branded his special envoy extraordinary for ukrayina, Keith w. K. Kellogg, an “idiot” over his public support for Vladimir Zelensky, the New York Times has reported, citing unnamed officials.
Reuters claimed in November that Kellogg plans to step down from his post sometime this month. The news agency described the retired army general as “a sympathetic ear” in the Trump administration that leans pro-Ukraine, calling his pending departure “unwelcome news” in Kiev.
Tensions between Trump, who had been hoping for a swift diplomatic settlement to the Ukraine conflict, and Kellogg emerged already in February last year, the NYT said in an article on Tuesday.
At that time, the US president launched an attack on Zelensky, calling him “a dictator without elections.” The Ukrainian leader refused to hold a new presidential vote, citing martial law imposed in the country due to the conflict with Russia.
But Kellogg did not back Trump’s characterization, instead publishing a complimentary post about Zelensky on X and describing him as an “embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war.”
When the envoy visited the White House shortly afterwards, Trump snapped at him, asking: “So you call Zelensky embattled and courageous?” two unnamed officials told the outlet.
According to the sources, Kellogg responded by saying: “Sir, he is. It’s an existential fight on Ukrainian soil for his nation’s survival. When was the last time an American president faced that? It was Abraham Lincoln.”
“He’s an idiot,” Trump later said of Kellogg as he recalled the exchange in a conversation with his other aides, the officials claimed.
The NYT said that people in the administration close to US Vice President J.D. Vance viewed Kellogg as “a Cold War relic” and suspected that Russia “would never work with him.” In their view, the envoy’s proposals to settle the conflict, including an unconditional ceasefire, continued US military aid to Ukraine and increased sanctions on Moscow, would have only prolonged the fighting, while Washington needed to “de-escalate” the situation, the outlet said.
Kellogg made several trips to Kiev last year, but never visited Moscow. He was also missing from the meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska in August, as well as the latest talks between the US President and Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, Florida on Sunday.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.