Donald Trump Nominates Keith Kellogg to Be Special Envoy to Ukraine and Russia
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Keith Kellogg, a former national security adviser and retired lieutenant general in the US military, to be special envoy to Ukraine and Russia.
Kellogg’s role is expected to play a key part in negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, it’s not clear if Russia and Ukraine will agree to take part.
Trump has promised to stop the war on his first day back in office. But he hasn’t said how he plans to do that.
Kellogg believes in tough talks with Russia and Ukraine to bring an end to the conflict. In a research paper, he proposed a US policy to seek a cease-fire and negotiated settlement of the Ukraine conflict.
The plan also suggested giving more aid to Ukraine if it participates in peace talks with Moscow. But if Moscow refuses, Washington would give Kyiv even more help.
Russia could be convinced to negotiate if the US promises to delay Ukraine’s Nato membership for an extended period of time.
Ukraine has been diplomatic towards Trump. Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Trump has “taken a very smart approach” by setting out his goal to end the war without getting into details.
Trump has spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He urged Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of Washington’s military presence in Europe.
Russia welcomed Trump’s claim that he could end the war within 24 hours, but is waiting for further policy details.
Special envoys usually need Senate confirmation to take up their role.