Washington — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Keith Kellogg, a retired Lt. Gen., to serve as special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, he announced Wednesday.
Kellogg served as Chief of Staff of the National Security Council during Trump's first term and as national security advisor to former Vice President Mike Pence. He will take on the role as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia as February 2022 approaches the three-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Trump announces Kellogg as his ambassador Post On social media, he wrote that he “has led a distinguished military and business career, including serving in highly sensitive national security roles in my first administration.”
“He was with me from the beginning! Together, we will ensure peace through strength, and make America and the world safe again!” The newly elected President wrote.
Trump's return to the White House has raised questions about the future. US involvement in the war in UkraineAccording to the State Department, the US under President Biden has provided approximately $64.1 billion in military aid since Russia began its invasion in 2022, and approximately $66.9 billion since Russia initially invaded Ukraine in 2014. Billion dollars of military aid was provided.
However, the president-elect has criticized Ukrainian President Voldimyr Zelensky, and in June called him “the greatest salesman of all time” for insisting on continued US support in Ukraine's efforts against Russian aggression. Trump has claimed that he will “resolve” the war before taking office for his second term, and has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not have invaded Ukraine if he were president.
Trump and Zelensky spoke by phone after the president-elect defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the election earlier this month. Ukrainian leader said social media Call was “excellent” and praised his “tremendous drive” that made his victory possible.
Zelensky wrote, “We agreed to maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation. Strong and unwavering American leadership is vital for the world and a just peace.”
Meanwhile, Trump has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as “sensible”. Suggested in February That he would encourage “Russia to do whatever it wants” with NATO member states that fail to meet the alliance's defense spending targets.
Retd. General HR McMaster, who served as Trump's national security adviser in his first term, told “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on Sunday The coming months are “really important” to determine the “next phase” of the war in Ukraine.
CBS News contributor McMaster said both Russia and Ukraine are “encouraged to gain as much leverage as they can on the battlefield before the new Trump administration comes in” as both countries seek leverage in negotiations.