Trump Reappoints Keith Kellogg as Special Envoy to Ukraine

President Trump has reappointed Keith Kellogg as the special envoy to Ukraine, replacing his dual role with Russia. Kellogg is set to engage directly with Ukrainian leadership. His previous absence from Saudi-led peace talks was attributed to Russian officials perceiving him as too aligned with Ukraine. Despite tensions, his rapport with Zelensky remains positive amid shaky ceasefire negotiations.

Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg has been reappointed by President Donald Trump as the special envoy to Ukraine, as reported by News.Az. This decision comes as Kellogg prepares to engage directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his administration, having established a significant rapport with them. Previously, Kellogg served in dual envoy roles for both Ukraine and Russia during Trump’s first term as acting national security advisor.

Kellogg was notably absent from the recent Saudi-led peace talks, with a senior Russian official suggesting that President Vladimir Putin viewed him as excessively aligned with Ukraine, stating, “Too close to Ukraine. Not our kind of person.” This statement indicates that Kellogg’s positioning may have influenced diplomatic dynamics amid ongoing conflicts.

Despite a recent confrontation where Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator” and questioned his dedication to peace efforts, Kellogg maintained a positive relationship with Zelensky. He had met with the Ukrainian leader in Kyiv, endorsing him as an “embattled and courageous leader” and noted that their discussions were “extensive and positive.”

Current ceasefire negotiations have faced challenges, recovering briefly after Zelensky’s visit to the White House before being derailed again by Putin’s contentious demands, highlighting the volatile nature of the situation in Ukraine. Kellogg’s experience also includes serving as national security advisor to former Vice President Mike Pence and a brief tenure as acting national security advisor following Michael Flynn’s resignation during the Trump administration.

In summary, Keith Kellogg’s reappointment highlights a strategic shift in U.S. diplomacy towards Ukraine amidst an ongoing conflict with Russia. While Kellogg’s relationships with Ukrainian leaders are strong, external perceptions from Russian officials suggest complications in the negotiation landscape. Trump’s remarks on Zelensky indicate tension, yet Kellogg’s support underscores a commitment to collaborative dialogue despite broader political challenges.

Original Source: news.az