Trump's envoy: Kyiv ready to withdraw troops by 15 km, decision up to Putin

Kyiv has expressed its readiness to immediately conclude a ceasefire with Russia, withdrawing troops 15 kilometres from the line of contact with Russian forces, said the special envoy of the US President, Keith Kellogg.

“They agree to a comprehensive ceasefire — on land, at sea, and in the air — for at least 30 days with the possibility of extension. And they are ready to do this today,” he said on the Fox News channel.

Kellogg explained that the Ukrainian side proposed creating a 30-kilometre buffer zone.

“They literally said the following: we retreat 15 kilometres, and (Russia — ed.) retreats 15 kilometers. As a result, we get a 30-kilometre zone that can be realistically monitored,” the special envoy noted.

Kellogg added that there is political will to conclude this agreement, and American President Donald Trump can play a key role in this.

“I think we are close. The only person who can ensure a ceasefire is President Trump, if Putin agrees,” the special envoy said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed readiness to implement a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire with Russia, encompassing land, sea, and air operations. This proposal includes the establishment of a 30-kilometer buffer zone, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces withdrawing 15 kilometers from the current front lines. The initiative has been endorsed by U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, who emphasized the potential for immediate implementation if both sides agree.

In March 2025, Ukraine agreed to this U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal during talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Following this agreement, the U.S. resumed military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. However, Russia has not formally accepted the proposal, with President Vladimir Putin indicating that further negotiations are necessary.

The Kremlin has announced plans for a unilateral three-day ceasefire from May 8 to May 10, 2025, to coincide with Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. However, Russian officials have stated that their forces will respond if attacked during this period. President Zelenskyy has expressed scepticism about the sincerity of this short-term truce, advocating instead for the longer 30-day ceasefire proposed earlier.

By Khagan Isayev