President-elect Donald Trump has nominated retired Lt. Gen Keith Kellogg to be his Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia in an effort to find a resolution to the ongoing war started by Russia nearly three years ago. Kellogg previously served in national security roles in Trump’s first administration and has suggested that Ukraine must participate in peace talks with Russia to continue receiving aid. He has also floated the idea of Ukraine joining NATO as a potential solution to the conflict. Trump has not specified his plan for resolving the war but has indicated that he would work to bring both sides to the negotiating table. Some members of Trump’s incoming administration, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, have expressed skepticism about providing continued assistance to Ukraine, with some arguing that the conflict is Europe’s fight, not America’s. Trump’s incoming White House national security adviser, Florida Rep. Michael Waltz, has pushed for tougher enforcement of sanctions on Russia and increased support for Ukraine. In contrast, outgoing President Joe Biden has emphasized the importance of standing by Ukraine to prevent a wider war, providing weapons and financial assistance. Biden had appointed an ambassador to Ukraine and a special representative for Ukraine’s economic recovery during his term. The last U.S. envoy dedicated to ending Russia’s occupation of parts of Ukraine was Kurt Volker, who served from 2017-19.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
Gen Keith Kellogg appointed as Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia issues
