Exploring Postwar Possibilities for Ukraine: Insights from General Keith Kellogg
In a recent interview with The Times, retired General Keith Kellogg, the White House's special envoy for Ukraine, offered a nuanced perspective on the future of Ukraine following its ongoing conflict with Russia. Kellogg expressed a willingness to explore the potential deployment of an allied force, led by a Franco-British coalition, to bolster Ukraine's sovereignty in what one might call a hypothetical postwar period. This proposed deployment would avoid direct involvement from the United States, yet it aims to reinforce peace and stability in the region.
Kellogg imagines a strategic placement for such forces—west of the Dnieper River—where he believes their presence would not provoke Moscow. His assertion rests on the idea that Ukraine's vast territory could accommodate an international force aimed at maintaining a ceasefire while enhancing the country's territorial integrity.
Despite comparisons to the post-World War II era in Berlin, Kellogg clarified on social media that he does not support a division of Ukraine. Instead, he envisions zones of responsibility that would enable an allied presence without necessitating a partition. Additionally, he has proposed the establishment of a demilitarized zone. Under this plan, both Ukrainian and Russian forces would be required to retreat 15 kilometers from their respective front lines. Kellogg confidently remarked that, while ceasefire violations are to be expected, the monitoring of such an exclusion zone would be relatively straightforward.
Looking ahead, Kellogg identifies the crucial next step towards a ceasefire as the organization of elections in Ukraine—something that has been delayed for nearly a year. He believes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is open to these elections, seeing them as a vital expression of the will of the people, a sentiment echoed by members of the Ukrainian parliament who have urged for their instatement.
Kellogg's thoughts encapsulate a complex interplay of diplomatic strategy, military planning, and the urgent desire for peace in a country enduring significant turmoil. As discussions surrounding Ukraine's future evolve, the idea of a collaborative international effort may serve as a pivotal framework for restoring stability and governance in the war-torn nation.
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