Donald Trump’s newly appointed special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, has announced an ambitious goal to address the ongoing war in Ukraine within 100 days of Trump’s inauguration as US President. Kellogg made this statement during an interview with Fox News.
A Narrow Window for Action
Kellogg emphasised the urgency of the task, acknowledging the limited time available to craft a resolution for Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
“People need to understand: [Trump] is not trying to give something to Putin or the Russians. He is actually trying to save Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure that it is fair and just,” Kellogg asserted.
A Different Diplomatic Approach
According to Kellogg, one of the key distinctions in Trump’s strategy lies in re-establishing dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin—a move Kellogg sees as essential for any meaningful progress.
Criticising President Joe Biden’s refusal to engage with Putin after 2022, Kellogg described this as “the biggest mistake” of the current administration. Trump, he noted, is committed to resuming talks with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to propose a resolution acceptable to both parties in the short term.
Kellogg’s Personal and Professional Target
Outlining his approach, Kellogg stated, “I would like to set a goal, both personally and professionally, of achieving this within 100 days.” He indicated that intensive efforts will be made to convene discussions and secure a framework for peace early in the new administration.
Preparation for Key Visits
Earlier, Kellogg had announced plans to meet with stakeholders in the conflict, including a visit to Kyiv to hear Ukraine’s perspective. However, reports suggest that this visit, originally scheduled for January, has been postponed.
A Controversial Road Ahead
The proposed plan reflects Trump’s intent to prioritise high-stakes diplomacy, but it also raises questions about the feasibility of resolving such a complex conflict in a compressed timeframe. Critics may scrutinise whether Trump’s approach risks undermining Ukraine’s position or emboldening Russia.
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