Kyiv: Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with Gen. Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine, to discuss joint military-industrial projects, sanctions against Russia, and prospects for a long-term ceasefire. The meeting emphasized the shared objective of achieving a sustainable and just peace.

According to Anadolu Agency, Umerov expressed gratitude for the US support, which he stated saves lives and brings the end of the war closer. The discussions focused extensively on joint projects for localizing arms production in Ukraine and Europe, particularly air defense systems. Umerov highlighted that some projects are already in progress, while others are being prepared for launch, potentially utilizing frozen Russian assets or receiving backing from European partners.

Umerov described Ukraine's battlefield experience, notably in drone warfare, as a strategic asset that Kyiv is ready to share. The economic pressure on Moscow was also discussed, with Umerov reiterating the need for systematic sanctions against Russia's energy sector, a key funding source for the war.

During the meeting, Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief of the General Staff Maj. Gen. Andrii Hnatov, and military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov briefed Kellogg and his team on the operational situation, warning of Russia's broader military ambitions beyond Ukraine. First Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Boiev highlighted Ukraine's readiness for a long-term ceasefire and emphasized the importance of bolstering its defense industry and military capacity.