Trump terminates Kellogg's role as Russia special representative
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In a political move seemingly in line with Moscow's preferences, US President Donald Trump has reassigned the responsibilities of his former special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. He is now tasked exclusively with managing the Ukraine situation.
Trump Announces Kellogg's New Role on Truth Social
Trump took to his Truth Social network to share the news, stating, "Pleased to announce General Keith Kellogg has been appointed as the special envoy for Ukraine." It's worth noting that back in November, Trump transferred the Ukraine peace negotiations and responsibilities for both sides to Kellogg himself.
Political Insight "Not Our Kind" - Kremlin Avoids Kellogg in Talks
According to US reports, Russian representatives have declined to engage in high-level discussions with Kellogg due to his perceived pro-Ukraine stance [1][5]. Some high-ranking Russian officials have expressed their disapproval of Kellogg, as they believe he is overly sympathetic towards Ukraine.
As a result, Kellogg was absent from key meetings, such as the one between US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia last Tuesday. He also did not participate in a high-level meeting with Russians in Saudi Arabia in February.
Kellogg to Directly Engage with Ukraine Leadership
Following Trump's announcement, Kellogg will now negotiate directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian leadership. Kellogg has maintained a productive working relationship with the Ukrainian leadership, albeit with moments of blunt pragmatism, such as likening Ukraine to a mule during a temporary halt in US military aid [4].
Political Insights "Quick Peace" Promise Was "Sarcastic", Trump Admitted
Initially, Trump nominated Kellogg as special envoy for both Ukraine and Russia. However, Trump's efforts to swiftly end the Ukraine conflict have not been successful [2]. Recently, he acknowledged that his claim of ending the war within 24 hours after his election was made in jest, even before taking office. This admission is unusual for Trump, who is known for his frequent exaggerated claims.
Sources: ntv.de, mpe/rts/dpa, CNN, Washington Post
- Donald Trump
- USA
- Ukraine Conflict
- Diplomacy
- Russia
Enrichment Insights:
- Realigning Negotiations: The shift in Kellogg's role signifies a strategic adjustment in Trump's approach to the Ukraine conflict, focusing on direct engagement with Ukraine while potentially elevating other officials for negotiations with Russia.
- Frayed Relations: The exclusion of Kellogg from talks with Russia indicates the growing tension between the US and Russia, potentially worsening diplomatic relations.
- Complex Peace Process: The shift in Kellogg's role may complicate peace negotiations, prolonging the process due to Russia's preference for dealing with other US officials.
- Continued US Support: By maintaining Kellogg as a special envoy to Ukraine, Trump solidifies US support for Ukraine, focusing on direct engagement with the Ukrainian leadership to strengthen US-Ukraine relations.
- Leverage Tactics: The recent pause in US intelligence sharing with Ukraine, as described by Kellogg, may represent the US wielding influence over Ukraine's actions, potentially impacting Ukraine's military capabilities against Russia.
- Amidst the ongoing US-Russia tension, the employment policy of President Donald Trump has seen a significant change, with the former special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, now exclusively managing the Ukraine situation, as per Trump's announcement on Truth Social.
- Despite Kellogg's new role, Russian representatives have reportedly declined high-level discussions with him due to his perceived pro-Ukraine stance, signifying a strain in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
- As Kellogg now directly engages with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian leadership, it remains to be seen how this move will impact the complex peace process and the relationship between Ukraine and Russia.
