President Donald Trump on Saturday said he was naming Keith Kellogg his special envoy for Ukraine, narrowing the retired general’s portfolio after reports he was sidelined during recent U.S.- Russia talks at the Kremlin’s request.
Trump characterized the shift as a positive development in a social media post announcing the new role for Kellogg, who was previously the president’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
Kellogg had initially been tapped to lead negotiations and help bring an end to Russia’s three-year war on Ukraine. When Trump announced Kellogg’s first post in November, he proclaimed that the two men would together “secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” In February, Kellogg consulted with European leaders while honing a blueprint for resolving the conflict.
Yet in recent days, Kellogg’s role and very presence at talks had reportedly diminished, even as other top Trump officials, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff huddled in high-level negotiations.
Kellogg was excluded from talks in Riyadh at the request of the Kremlin that perceived him as being too close to Ukraine, NBC News reported Thursday.
At least informally, it’s expected to further elevate the role of Witkoff. The real estate developer, who has already helped secure the release of U.S. teacher Marc Fogel after years of detention in Russia, has been seeking to free hostages held by Hamas while also engaging in the talks with Russia.
Posted by John3262005
1 Comment
Yeah, it was telling that Witkoff is the one who flew to Moscow. Kellogg’s basic stance is an unconditional ceasefire, while Russia is looking for capitulation. So this is yet another bad sign for Ukraine.
I can’t believe we’re letting Russia dictate negotiations to this degree.