KYIV, Ukraine, July 14, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - US special envoy Keith Kellogg arrived in Kyiv Monday for defence talks after US President Donald Trump announced new Patriot air defence systems supplies to Ukraine, invaded by Russia over three years ago.

Washington had earlier this month said it would pause some arms deliveries to Kyiv but Trump has just changed tack, criticising Russian President Vladimir Putin for intensifying attacks as US-led peace talks stalled.

"We welcome US Special Representative Keith Kellogg to Ukraine," Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's top aide wrote on Telegram, adding "peace through strength is the principle of US President Donald Trump, and we support this approach."

"We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need," Trump said Sunday, without specifying how many weapons would be sent.

Trump added that the United States would not pay for them.

Kellogg's visit comes as the US president is set to meet with NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington later on Monday.

Moscow has stepped up aerial strikes on Ukraine over recent months, launching hundreds of drones almost on a daily basis.