Key facts
- President Volodymyr Zelensky met with former U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv on August 22, 2026.
- The discussion focused on Ukraine's urgent need for air defense systems, specifically Patriot missiles.
- Zelensky highlighted the critical shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles.
- Recent Russian attacks have killed civilians in Kryvyi Rih and Kyiv.
- Kellogg also visited Odesa to assess damage to port infrastructure from Russian attacks.
- French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to accelerate missile and military equipment deliveries to Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Keith Kellogg, former U.S. envoy to Ukraine, in Kyiv on August 22, 2026, to discuss the country's critical need for air defense systems, particularly Patriot missiles. Zelensky emphasized that these systems are an "absolute priority" as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukrainian cities, exploiting shortages in defensive capabilities.
Recent Russian bombardments have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including 16 deaths at a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih on August 21 and 15 deaths in Kyiv on August 20. Kellogg's visit followed his trip to Odesa on August 21, where he participated in a working group analyzing Russian attacks on port infrastructure.
In parallel, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on August 22 that France would expedite the delivery of missiles and other military equipment to Ukraine. Macron also agreed to assist Kyiv in its communications with international partners possessing Patriot air defense systems, a crucial element for protecting Ukrainian civilians.