It’s been six months since Ukraine launched its surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region and its forces are still in control of a big chunk of the ceased territory – and as calls for peace negotiations grow louder,

Putin’s failure to expel Ukraine’s army from Russian territory may gain added significance as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a deal to end the war. While Russian troops continue to gradually advance on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv retains a bargaining chip in Kursk for a potential exchange of territory at any talks.

I think we have some opportunities, and fortunately, I’m working on the key agreements,” Kellogg said. According to him, the goal is to “stop the violence” before discussing the details of a peace settlement.

While the American president has never hidden his desire to end the war in Ukraine, he doesn't lose sight of his “personal” interests. “We're looking to find an agreement with Ukraine whereby they would provide their rare earths and other things as collateral in exchange for what we give them,