Keith Kellogg, Donald Trump’s appointed envoy to Ukraine and Russia, stated in an interview that the president-elect is "not trying to give something to Putin." Kellogg made this comment during a Fox News interview on January 8, addressing Trump's recent remarks that suggested Ukraine's desire to join NATO provoked Russia’s invasion. However, discussions about Ukraine's NATO membership began 16 years before the war started.
Kellogg's clarification is notable given Trump's close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. His relations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could heavily influence future peace talks. Kellogg emphasized that Trump’s goal is not to appease Russia but to “save Ukraine” and protect its sovereignty, ensuring that any agreement will be equitable and fair. This message was reiterated by Kellogg, referencing Trump’s statements made during Zelensky's visit to Trump Tower and at various press conferences.
Kellogg also contrasted Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict with that of the Biden administration. He noted that, like Trump, he believes in engaging both adversaries and allies. Kellogg has been critical of the Biden administration's handling of the war, suggesting that the White House should have struck a deal with Putin prior to the invasion to delay Ukraine’s NATO membership for ten years in exchange for Russia calling off the attack.
In a paper coauthored with former Trump national security official Fred Fleitz, Kellogg argued that the U.S. should have supplied Ukraine with arms only if the country agreed to engage in peace talks with Russia. Kellogg also previously authored a report on ending the war, advocating for a freeze at the front lines with additional aid contingent on Ukraine's willingness to negotiate with Moscow.
As a key figure in upcoming peace negotiations, Kellogg expressed hopes of ending the conflict within 100 days. However, Trump has indicated that peace talks would not begin until after his inauguration, according to the Kyiv Independent.
Kellogg’s interview occurred alongside the news that he had postponed a planned trip to Kyiv until after Trump’s inauguration. The retired U.S. Army lieutenant general and former acting national security adviser has rescheduled the visit, but the new date remains unclear, and the reason for the delay has not been disclosed.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Melinda Haring, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, praised Kellogg for clarifying Trump’s stance, noting that Kellogg skillfully navigated Trump’s controversial claims about Ukraine and NATO.
After the Fox News interview, Kellogg thanked Sandra Smith and America Reports for hosting him, mentioning that significant changes in leadership and diplomacy are on the horizon. Kellogg is expected to play a pivotal role in future peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, though the exact timing of these talks will likely depend on Trump's inauguration.
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