Photo: Susan Walsh AP
US President Donald Trump has instructed the Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, General Keith Kellogg, to end the war in Ukraine in 100 days. However, the success of this plan is in doubt, especially among Russian politicians, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Details of Kellogg’s plan
According to the publication, Kellogg’s role as special envoy is only the initial stage of the peace process, which Trump will personally oversee. Kellogg’s plan, published by the America First Policy Institute think tank, provides for:
- A ceasefire and the start of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine;
- Using “carrots and sticks” to reach an agreement;
- Suspension of Ukraine’s accession to NATO;
- Easing sanctions against Russia in exchange for signing a peace agreement;
- Stopping military aid to Kyiv if the Ukrainian government refuses to negotiate.
Reaction and criticism
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton said that Kellogg would act solely on Trump’s instructions, which could lead to “devastating concessions” in favour of Moscow. Bolton also expressed concern that Russian President Vladimir Putin could manipulate Trump during the negotiations.
Russia has already ridiculed Kellogg’s plan, calling it futile, while defence experts, including Seth Jones of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, consider Kellogg a serious analyst. However, Jones stressed that the Kremlin’s aggressive reaction to the proposals only makes it more difficult to start negotiations.
Trump’s position
Donald Trump is expected to take direct control of the negotiations after the initial steps taken by Kellogg. According to the sources, Trump is keen to demonstrate leadership in global politics and reach a “historic” agreement, but his approach is causing concern among international allies.
