Trump Excludes Kellogg from Alaska Summit Delegation at Russia’s Request

U.S. President Donald Trump has left Special Presidential Representative Keith Kellogg out of the delegation traveling to Alaska for Friday’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following objections from Moscow.

The Gaze reports this, referring to CNN, citing administration officials.

According to sources, Russian officials view Kellogg as strongly pro-Ukraine, and his presence could have been “counterproductive” to the talks. 

Despite his exclusion, Kellogg has briefed Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on insights gathered from recent discussions with Ukrainian counterparts. Senior administration officials stressed that his absence would not hinder the meeting’s objectives.

One source noted that Rubio, who is leading the diplomatic engagement alongside Trump, is not regarded as conciliatory toward Russia, recalling his earlier remarks labeling Putin a war criminal.

However, European officials privately voiced concern over Kellogg’s absence. One described the decision as a “loss,” saying Kellogg had hoped, and was expected, to attend, citing his in-depth understanding of Ukraine’s potential negotiating position in any future settlement.

Sources suggested Kellogg is likely to join the U.S. delegation in subsequent trilateral talks involving Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv.

Trump departed for Alaska earlier on Friday, holding his first phone call en route with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, whom Washington does not recognize as the country’s legitimate president. 

Speaking to reporters aboard the plane, Trump also insisted he would not negotiate on Ukraine’s behalf over territorial matters.

As The Gaze reported earlier, the White House has released a list of all members of the delegation that will accompany President Donald Trump on his trip to Alaska.