‘We Should Adapt’: Kellogg Urges US Defense to Follow Ukraine’s Example

The U.S. President’s special representative, following a visit to Ukrainian drone manufacturing facilities, called on American defense companies to adapt to emerging challenges.

He shared his impressions of the visit on his official page on X.

Keith Kellogg was accompanied by Herman Smetanin, Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries, and Presidential Advisor Oleksandr Kamyshin. Together, they visited several Ukrainian defense enterprises specializing in the production of unmanned aerial systems.

“I saw firsthand how Ukrainian-made drones are being built and developed. Incredible innovation, especially with drones. In this new age/type of war, they lead. Their speed of innovation and ability to recycle are impressive. Our defense industrial base should take notice and adapt,” the U.S. President’s special representative shared.

The day prior, the special representative visited the National Guard’s training center, where, together with Commander Oleksandr Pivnenko, he was introduced to the training of Ukrainian guardsmen, their equipment, and the modern technologies being used on the battlefield.

The American delegation was shown tank and armored vehicle crew training, simulator exercises, as well as drones and robotic systems.

Keith Kellogg praised the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers and the high quality of their training, emphasizing that Ukraine’s experience is valuable for the armed forces of other countries.

“We are grateful to the United States for its continued support, which enables our units to effectively defend the country. Ukraine is protecting its independence and freedom. Together with our partners, we continue to strengthen our defense capabilities,” National Guard Commander Oleksandr Pivnenko said.

On the first day of his visit to Ukraine, July 14, Kellogg met with Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff, as well as representatives of the intelligence community. Budanov stated that, with U.S. support, Ukraine is capable of stopping Russia and neutralizing its military potential.

Kellogg also held meetings with Rustem Umierov, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The President and Kellogg, among other topics, discussed the new U.S.-NATO agreement on supplying weapons to Ukraine.