The Wall Street Journal reported , citing sources in the presidential administration.
Donald Trump, who has just begun his term as US president, has made a swift end to the war in Ukraine one of his administration's priorities. He has tasked special envoy Keith Kellogg with achieving peace within 100 days.
Keith Kellogg, a retired general, will play a key role in the negotiations, but actual diplomatic engagement with Russia is likely to be beyond his remit. Sources say Kellogg has developed a plan to end the war, but control of the process will remain in Trump’s hands.
According to The Wall Street Journal, making a deal with Vladimir Putin may be more difficult than Trump anticipated. During the election campaign, he repeatedly stated that he would end the war before taking office.
Former national security adviser John Bolton criticized Kellogg's appointment, saying Trump chose him for his obedience, not his independence of thought.
“He will just do what Trump tells him to do. He can protest, but he has no leverage,” Bolton said.
Kellogg's former colleagues note his military experience but emphasize that he has never been involved in diplomacy, which could be a critical factor in the negotiations with Russia.
Experts warn that Trump's approach could lead to pressure on Ukraine to make concessions to Russia. Bolton stressed that Kellogg is unlikely to be a barrier to Putin's influence.
