Trump’s Envoy to Ukraine Sets Ambitious Goal to End Conflict within 100 Days
In an interview with Fox News, Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine, set a target to end the conflict within 100 days of President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Kellogg, a retired US general, emphasized that he is under time pressure, saying, “We’re setting the goal at 100 days and working from there.”
Kellogg reiterated that Trump aims to restart talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to find a solution to the conflict, which has caused “enormous” losses on both sides. He stressed that ending the war is crucial for the national security of the US.
Trump, according to Kellogg, will not make concessions to Putin and will instead focus on saving Ukraine and preserving its sovereignty. “He’s not trying to give something to Putin or the Russians. He’s trying to save Ukraine and keep its sovereignty, and he will make sure it’s fair and just” Kellogg said.
Kellogg also criticized the approach of his predecessor, President Joe Biden, calling it a major mistake that Biden has not spoken with Putin in over two years. “He hasn’t spoken with him, while Trump is in dialogue with both adversaries and allies” Kellogg said.
Trump has repeatedly promised to mediate a quick peace deal. Reports suggest that his team is currently exploring the possibility of freezing the conflict along the current frontlines.
Talks between Moscow and Kiev broke down in the spring of 2022, after being sabotaged by the Western side. Putin made it clear that Ukraine would need to give up its plans for NATO membership and its claims to Crimea and four other regions that are now part of Russia in order to achieve a peace agreement.
According to Reuters, Kellogg’s planned trip to Ukraine, which was scheduled before Trump’s inauguration, has been postponed.