President-elect Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has postponed his trip to Kyiv, signaling a shift in diplomatic strategy as the new administration prepares to take office.
At a Glance
- Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, delays Kyiv visit until after inauguration
- Trump promises to end Ukraine war in 24 hours, citing good relations with Putin and Zelensky
- Concerns arise over potential disadvantages for Ukraine in a Trump-brokered ceasefire
- Experts skeptical of 24-hour promise but expect significant early efforts for peace
- Ukrainian President Zelensky describes Trump as “strong and unpredictable”
Trump’s Diplomatic Approach to Ukraine Conflict
As the transition of power approaches, President-elect Donald Trump is making strategic moves in his approach to the Ukraine conflict. Keith Kellogg, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General and former Acting National Security Adviser, has been appointed as Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine. However, Kellogg’s planned trip to Kyiv, initially scheduled for early January, has been postponed until after the inauguration.
Trump has boldly promised to end the nearly three-year-long war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office, a claim that has raised eyebrows among international observers and policy experts.
Trump's Ukraine envoy postpones Kyiv trip until after inauguration
— CGTN America (@cgtnamerica) January 6, 2025
Trump’s Diplomatic Strategy and Key Relationships
Central to Trump’s strategy is his assertion that he has good relationships with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. The former President believes these connections will be instrumental in brokering a swift resolution to the conflict.
“They’re dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And I’ll have that done—I’ll have that done in 24 hours,” Trump said.
While Trump’s confidence is unwavering, there are concerns among officials in Kyiv and NATO’s eastern flank. Some fear that a Trump-brokered ceasefire could potentially disadvantage Ukraine and nearby alliance countries. Despite these apprehensions, preparations for diplomatic engagement are expected to continue behind the scenes as the inauguration approaches.
Ukrainian Perspective on Trump’s Approach
Interestingly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a measure of optimism regarding Trump’s potential involvement. Zelensky described Trump as “strong and unpredictable” and voiced belief in his desire to end the war.
This perspective from the Ukrainian leader suggests a potential openness to Trump’s diplomatic efforts, despite the uncertainties surrounding his approach.
Preparing for Peace Negotiations
As part of the preparations for potential peace talks, Kellogg has co-authored a report for Trump outlining a possible route to end the war. The strategy involves conditional military aid and negotiations. Additionally, Kellogg contributed to a research paper advocating for a ceasefire and negotiated settlement while continuing to arm Ukraine.
While experts remain skeptical about Trump’s 24-hour ceasefire promise, there is an expectation of significant efforts to secure a ceasefire early in his term. The groundwork for these diplomatic initiatives is likely to intensify as the new administration takes shape.
