KYIV, Ukraine — U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Keith Kellogg said on Monday that officials are “working very hard” to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, but acknowledged that progress remains slow and doubts about a breakthrough are growing.

Speaking after attending Ukraine’s annual National Prayer Breakfast in Kyiv, Kellogg said efforts are focused on securing guarantees that would reduce the risk of another Russian invasion in the future. “That’s still a work in progress,” he noted, adding that the goal is to build a framework that reassures Ukraine while opening the path for wider peace negotiations.

Trump recently announced that he has pushed for direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but Moscow has shown no interest in such a summit in the near term. Trump said last week he would decide “within two weeks” on next steps if no talks are scheduled.

Key points from recent developments:

• High-level visits: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged $2 billion in aid during his trip to Kyiv on Sunday. NATO chief Mark Rutte visited last week, while German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil arrived Monday to discuss support for a possible peace process.

• European backing: Klingbeil told Zelenskyy that Germany would continue to stand by Ukraine, stressing that allies must prepare if Putin refuses to relent. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store pledged $8.45 billion in aid for 2025, including new Patriot air defense systems.

• Drone warfare continues: Ukraine’s Air Force reported 104 Russian drones launched overnight, with Russia claiming to have intercepted 23 Ukrainian drones across seven regions. Both sides continue drone attacks on energy and transport targets.

Meanwhile, Putin spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian by phone on Monday, reinforcing Russia’s ties with Iran, China, India and North Korea. Putin and Pezeshkian are expected to meet in China next week during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

Analysts warn that Putin may be betting on Western fatigue, calculating that Russia’s larger military can keep pressure on Ukraine while international peace efforts stall.

For now, Washington’s envoy insists talks are active, but without visible progress the question remains whether a settlement can realistically be reached.