Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg. Photo: hvylya.
27 November 2024 – US President-elect Donald Trump is considering appointing retired General Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine. According to three informed sources, Kellogg, who previously served as Trump’s National Security Council chief of staff, could play a key role in peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. This issue, in particular, is being discussed as part of Trump’s strategy for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. This was reported by the Time Ukraine Israel portal, citing Reuters.
Kellogg, who served as National Security Adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, has developed a plan to end the war that would freeze the front lines at their current boundaries and allow both sides – Ukraine and Russia – to come to the negotiating table. This plan was presented in June and already received some approval in international expert circles.
Kellogg’s plan: freezing the front line and negotiations
The main idea of Kellogg’s plan is to ensure a temporary freeze of hostilities in the territories controlled by each side. According to this plan, the United States will provide Ukraine with additional military assistance only if it agrees to peace talks with Russia. In turn, Russia will be informed that refusal to negotiate will lead to increased US support for Ukraine. One of the most controversial aspects of the plan is the proposal to freeze Ukraine’s membership in NATO.
However, such an approach is likely to be difficult for Ukraine to accept, as it could effectively cement Russia’s control over certain territories, which would be hostile to Kyiv’s national interests.
Competition for office and political consequences
Despite the fact that Kellogg is one of the main candidates for the post, competition for the post is growing. Richard Grenell, former acting director of national intelligence, is also actively seeking the post. He has advocated the creation of autonomous zones as a method of conflict resolution, which further increases interest in his candidacy.
However, even if Trump chooses Kellogg, this decision is likely to have serious political consequences not only for international diplomacy but also for US domestic affairs. Importantly, a number of Republicans, in particular in the House of Representatives, may oppose providing additional assistance to Ukraine. Therefore, the role of the special envoy and further steps of the US in the international arena remain in doubt.
General context and perspectives
Meanwhile, the question of who exactly will become the special envoy will remain important not only for the development of US policy towards Ukraine, but also for the US global strategy. Depending on Trump’s choice, the future of the peace process may take an unexpected turn, as any decision in this context will have a significant impact on the entire geopolitical situation in the region.
