In a move to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated retired General Keith Kellogg as a special Ukrainian peace envoy. The announcement was made on November 27th, with Trump expressing his commitment to “secure peace through strength” and make America and the world safe again.
Kellogg, a former national security advisor to the vice president, brings extensive experience to the role. He previously served as the Executive Secretary and Chief of Staff of the U.S. National Security Council during the first Trump administration. Additionally, he was a trusted advisor to then-Vice President Mike Pence.
This nomination comes after reports in June revealed that Kellogg and another top Trump advisor, Frederick H. Fleitz, proposed a plan to cease military aid to Ukraine unless it agreed to engage in peace negotiations with Russia. Their proposal also included freezing the front lines in their current position and removing Ukraine’s NATO accession from discussion.
Trump’s decision to tap Kellogg underscores his campaign promise to end Russia’s war with Ukraine if elected. However, his election has heightened uncertainty surrounding Ukraine’s war effort at a critical time. Russian forces have been making rapid gains in recent months, while North Korean troops are stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
While Trump considers other candidates for the role of special Ukrainian peace envoy, including former intelligence director Richard Grenell, Kellogg’s nomination shows his dedication to finding a resolution to this long-standing conflict.