Kellogg to Russians: ‘You’re Not Winning This War, You’re Losing It,’ Urges Moscow to Negotiate

Kellogg says Russia is losing the war, urges negotiations, and calls Ukraine’s fight effective, while arguing Europe – not the US – must keep the lead in supporting Ukraine. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied This handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on February 19, 2025 shows US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg speaking with the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine during their meeting in Kyiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Handout / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Former US presidential envoy for Ukraine, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg said Ukraine deserves “full credit” for its battlefield performance against Russia, arguing that Moscow is losing the war and failing to achieve its strategic goals. Speaking to Fox News , Kellogg was asked about Ukraine’s recent strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, and broader questions of US support, raised in part by a column from Mitch McConnell in The Washington Post regarding delays in Pentagon funding. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “They really have, you’ve got to give them full credit for what they’ve done when you look at their mere size with the Russians,” Kellogg said. At the same time, he suggested that Ukraine should be cautious in how often it seeks additional support. “I’ll be very clear, and I think President [Volodymyr] Zelensky needs to understand, you go to the well only so often,” he said. Kellogg argued that supporting Ukraine’s defense should primarily be handled by European allies. “This is a European issue, the Europeans need to solve this, the Europeans need to get involved with this,” he said. He also pointed to what he described as mounting Russian losses under Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. “I think Putin’s got a problem as well. When you look at his loss rate, which is, right now he’s lost about 1.2 - 1.4 million dead and wounded in this war,” Kellogg said. “Remember, they left Afghanistan after losing only 18,000, so he’s got a problem economically,” he added. Other Topics of Interest Return No. 7 From Ukraine – The Rational Power of a Great Nation The Inevitable Demise of a Pathetic Country: Russia At the same time, he emphasized Ukraine’s resilience, adding that Russia has made limited territorial gains since 2014. “The Ukrainians have only lost about 1% of the land since 2014, so they fought very, very well,” he said. Kellogg delivered a direct assessment of Russia’s position in the war: “And I would tell the Russians, you’re not winning this war, you’re losing this war.” He argued that a true Russian victory would have required major territorial breakthroughs. “My idea of winning is you’d be across the Dnipro River, you’d be in Kharkiv, you’d be in Kyiv. You haven’t done that,” he said. “Why don’t you just go back to negotiate and say, this is all we’re going to get.” Kellogg added that further Russian advances in eastern Ukraine would be difficult due to heavily fortified positions. “You’re not going to get the rest of the Donbas unless you’re going to fight for it. And they’ve got three fortified cities in there. I’ve been on the land, it’s fortified territory,” he said. Kellogg concluded that while Russia continues offensive operations, it faces a serious challenge from Ukraine’s performance on the battlefield. “I think the Russians have got a problem that Putin just doesn’t admit it, but he’s got a problem right now with Zelensky in the sense of how the Ukrainians are fighting,” he said. “They’re fighting very well.” Russian forces suffered a net territorial loss in April – the first since Ukraine’s 2024 Kursk incursion – according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The ISW estimates Russia lost 116 square kilometers ( 45 square miles) during the month, reversing months of gradual gains. Advances have been declining since late 2025 amid Ukrainian counterattacks, strikes, and operational constraints. Between November 2025 and April 2026, Russian forces captured 1,443 square kilometers (557 square miles), down sharply from 2,368 square kilometers (914 square miles) a year earlier. Daily gains dropped to about 2.9 square kilometers (1.1 square miles), from nearly 10 square kilometers (3.9 square miles) . While seasonal mud may play a role, ISW points to structural issues. Russian troops increasingly rely on small-unit infiltration in “gray zones,” often failing to secure territory. Up to 1,716 square kilometers (663 square miles) were claimed in six months, but far less is firmly controlled. Analysts say the tactic sustains the illusion of progress while masking limitations. At the same time, Russia’s air campaign is under pressure, with reported shortages of aircraft and personnel and inefficient use of glide bombs reducing effectiveness. Julia is a Deputy Head of News and correspondent for Kyiv Post who has previously worked as a parliamentary editor, journalist, and news editor. She has specialized in covering the work of the Ukrainian parliament, government, and law enforcement agencies.