President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general and former national security adviser, to be a special envoy to Ukraine and Russia in his second administration. Kellogg is expected to play a key role in negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump has pledged to stop the war on his first day back in office, but has not provided specific details on how he plans to do so. Kellogg has advocated for tough negotiations with Russia and Ukraine to bring the conflict to an end.
In a research paper published by the America First Policy Institute, Kellogg proposed a formal US policy to seek a ceasefire and negotiated settlement of the Ukraine conflict. He suggested linking further US aid to Ukraine’s participation in peace talks with Moscow, and potentially increasing aid if Russia refuses to engage in negotiations. The paper also recommended delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership in exchange for Russian cooperation.
Kellogg’s plan has been presented to Trump, who has not publicly endorsed it, but reportedly provided positive feedback. Ukrainian officials have praised Trump’s approach to the conflict, noting his focus on fixing the problem without diving into specifics. Trump has spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging restraint and emphasizing US military presence in Europe.
Putin has congratulated Trump on his election victory, citing his desire to restore relations and end the Ukrainian crisis. The Kremlin has expressed interest in Trump’s claim that he could end the war quickly, but is waiting for more details on his policy. The US has been a major source of military aid to Ukraine, including weapons and financial assistance. Kellogg’s appointment as special envoy will likely require Senate confirmation.
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