President Trump reappointed Keith Kellogg as special envoy to Ukraine, emphasizing his rapport with President Zelensky. Kellogg’s prior exclusion from peace talks due to perceived bias towards Ukraine underlines the complexity of the geopolitical situation. Despite tensions between Trump and Zelensky, Kellogg’s extensive discussions with the Ukrainian leader indicate a focus on constructive dialogue amid intermittent ceasefire negotiations.
President Donald Trump has officially reappointed retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg as the special envoy to Ukraine, following recent announcements on social media. This decision sees Kellogg, who previously held the role of acting national security advisor during Trump’s first term, return to focus on Ukraine after serving in roles pertaining to both Ukraine and Russia.
In a statement on Truth Social on March 15, Trump indicated that Kellogg will engage directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders, emphasizing their good rapport. Kellogg’s prior exclusion from Saudi-led peace talks was noted, as a senior Russian official allegedly expressed that President Putin deemed him overly favorable towards Ukraine.
Despite previous tensions where Trump labeled Zelensky as a “dictator,” Kellogg has met with the Ukrainian leader in Kyiv, where he highlighted Zelensky’s resilience as an “embattled and courageous leader.” Their discussions were characterized as “extensive and positive.” While ceasefire negotiations have experienced inconsistencies, they briefly improved after Zelensky’s visit to the White House and subsequently deteriorated due to heightened demands from Putin.
In addition to his new role, Kellogg had previously been national security advisor to then-Vice President Mike Pence and briefly served as Trump’s acting national security advisor following Michael Flynn’s resignation.
In conclusion, the reappointment of Keith Kellogg as special envoy to Ukraine underscores a significant move in U.S. foreign policy amidst ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia. Despite previous conflicts between Trump and Zelensky, Kellogg’s established relationships and prior experience may provide a pathway to effective communication and negotiations going forward.
Original Source: news.az
