Kellogg Represents U.S. at Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome

U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, is set to attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2025 in Rome on July 10-11, where he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other world leaders to discuss the reconstruction of Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will host the event, which seeks to mobilize global support for Ukraine’s recovery and modernization efforts.

Kellogg's attendance comes in the wake of heightened pressure on the U.S. government to deliver a meaningful contribution to Ukraine's aid, following a recent controversy surrounding the Pentagon's decision to pause the delivery of crucial military supplies. According to Doug Klain, a policy analyst at Razom, the situation has created an 'absolute mess,' necessitating substantial U.S. engagement at the conference to reinforce international support for Ukraine.

The URC will gather government officials, international organizations, business leaders, and civil society representatives to explore how collaborative efforts can facilitate a sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine. Previous conferences have been held in Lugano, London, and Berlin, focusing on similar themes of recovery and economic stability.

Shelby Magid, Deputy Director at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, emphasized the importance of the URC as a platform to assess ongoing initiatives and foster commitments toward a secure future for Ukraine. She noted that the U.S. has prioritized co-production agreements, such as a recent deal involving drone technology, to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Magid expressed optimism about the potential for significant international cooperation to aid Ukraine's recovery, stating, 'While the fighting sadly still continues, major efforts remain underway for work on Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.'

Kellogg's presence at the conference signals a commitment to ensuring that the U.S. plays a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine, as articulated by Scott Bessent, former Treasury Secretary under Trump. Bessent remarked that the recent mineral deal between the U.S. and Ukraine symbolizes a long-term commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and prosperity.

The conference will also feature side events organized by Razom, focusing on investment opportunities in Ukraine's defense industry. Klain highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in Ukraine's recovery, arguing that 'without continued U.S. leadership, the Russians will have a greater chance to stop that recovery from happening.'

The URC is not merely a forum for discussion; it serves as a critical juncture for international leaders to recommit to Ukraine's reconstruction amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. As the U.S. navigates its foreign policy regarding Ukraine, Kellogg's role at the URC could have lasting implications for both U.S.-Ukraine relations and the broader international response to the conflict.

In light of Trump's comments regarding U.S. support for Ukraine, the stakes are high for the upcoming conference, as the administration aims to show solidarity with Ukraine against Russian aggression while addressing domestic criticism over its foreign policy direction. As the situation evolves, the outcomes of the URC may significantly influence future U.S. engagements in Eastern Europe, shaping the trajectory of both military and economic aid to Ukraine.