Trump Appoints Keith Kellogg as Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Amidst Controversial Peace Strategy
On November 27, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of Keith Kellogg, a retired army lieutenant general and a long-time defense adviser, as the special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. In a social media post, Trump emphasized Kellogg's distinguished military and business career, particularly noting his experience in sensitive national security roles during Trump's first administration.
Trump remarked on Truth Social, "Keith has been with me right from the beginning. Together we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH and Make America and the World SAFE AGAIN."
Kellogg's nomination comes in the wake of Trump's criticism during his presidential campaign regarding the billions of dollars the United States has allocated to Ukraine since Russia's large-scale invasion began in February 2022. Notably, Trump has claimed he could bring a swift resolution to the conflict within 24 hours should he reclaim the presidency, a comment interpreted to imply that Ukraine might need to cede territory currently occupied by Russia.
Reports from June revealed that Kellogg has proposed a strategy to halt the war, suggesting a freeze of current battle lines while compelling Kyiv and Moscow to engage in negotiations. His plan includes a dual threat approach: urging Ukraine to come to the table by implying diminishing US support while warning Russian President Vladimir Putin that failure to negotiate would result in increased military assistance to Ukraine.
Kellogg also suggests that NATO membership for Ukraine would not be an option as an incentive for Russia to engage in talks, whereas reintroducing this possibility could serve as a punitive measure should Russia hesitate.
Earlier this year, Kellogg articulated in a research paper for the America First Policy Institute—the think tank established after Trump departed office in 2021—that a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict necessitates robust America First leadership capable of brokering a peace deal. His proposals outline that the United States would continue to support Ukraine militarily to prevent further Russian aggression post-ceasefire or peace agreement, but future aid would hinge on Ukraine's participation in peace negotiations.
During Trump's first term, Kellogg held various significant roles, including Chief of Staff on the National Security Council and National Security Adviser to then-Vice President Mike Pence, making him a pivotal figure in shaping the administration's defense strategies.
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