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U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is considering appointing Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general who presented him with a plan to end the war in Ukraine, as the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine negotiations.
Reuters reported this on Wednesday, citing three informed sources, Ukrinform saw.
“Kellogg, who was the chief of staff for the White House National Security Council during Trump’s 2017-2021 term and national security adviser to then-Vice President Mike Pence, would likely play a central role in attempting to resolve the conflict if he is selected,” the report says.
At the same time, it is noted that Kellogg faces competition for the position as former Trump acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell is also among the potential picks. One source who reported on Kellogg’s possible appointment on Wednesday said Grenell still appeared the frontrunner.
As reported, Keith Kellogg’s plan to end the war in Ukraine would involve freezing the contact lines and forcing Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Grenell has advocated for the creation of “autonomous zones” as a means of resolving the war in Ukraine.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, emphasizing Kellogg’s “distinguished military and business career,” including his expertise in national security.
“Together, we will ensure peace through strengths and make America and the world safe again!” Trump added.
A retired lieutenant general and Vietnam War veteran, Kellogg joined Trump’s team as a national security adviser in Vice President Mike Pence’s office. He defended Trump’s 2019 phone call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, privately urged Pence to reject the certification of electoral votes in 2020, and later criticized Pence when he distanced himself from Trump.
Currently, Kellogg works at the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute, where he has contributed to developing potential national security policies for a future Trump administration.
Kellogg was involved in drafting a “peace plan” for Ukraine, presented earlier this year. This plan suggests that Trump could halt military aid to Ukraine if Kyiv refuses peace negotiations. Conversely, Moscow would be warned that rejecting talks would lead to increased U.S. support for Ukraine. The negotiations, according to the proposal, aim to freeze the existing front line.
Kellogg has also proposed punishing NATO members that fail to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense by stripping them of collective defense guarantees under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.
Read also: NATO Parliamentary Assembly urges to accept Ukraine to Alliance as soon as possible
