This is reported by RBK-Ukraine referencing The Wall Street Journal. The information comes from Kontrakty.UA.
According to the publication, Kellogg's role as a special envoy in Ukraine is likely an initial step in the peace negotiations that Trump intends to oversee personally. However, reaching an agreement with the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will prove to be significantly more challenging than Trump promised during his campaign.
It is noted that Russia has shown no interest in collaborating with Kellogg. Meanwhile, the Kremlin suggests that an understanding between Trump and Putin could lead to improved relations between Russia and the USA during Trump's presidency. Specifically, Trump and Putin stated that they have not yet had a personal conversation but promised to do so soon.
Former U.S. National Security Advisor in Trump's administration, John Bolton, believes that Trump may compel Kyiv to make destructive concessions to Moscow in the upcoming negotiations. "I think Putin knows how to play Trump, and Kellogg is unlikely to be a restraining factor against Putin's influence," Bolton remarked.
"He will simply do what Trump tells him. He might protest briefly, but Trump chose Kellogg not for his independent judgment," Bolton added.
Kellogg's former colleagues explain that he was appointed as an envoy to Ukraine after co-authoring a peace plan that criticized Joe Biden's administration for slow military aid while simultaneously accusing it of provoking Moscow by pushing Kyiv to join NATO.
This plan was published by the America First Policy Institute, which supports Trump's policies. It called for a ceasefire and conflict resolution through negotiations using "carrots and sticks" to compel Russia and Ukraine to come to the negotiating table.
What Kellogg's Plan Entailed
The publication reminded that Kellogg's plan recommended NATO to delay Ukraine's admission to the Alliance and proposed easing sanctions on Russia in exchange for signing a peace agreement. The plan also included halting military aid to Kyiv if the Ukrainian government did not agree to peace talks.
According to WSJ, Kremlin officials ridiculed this plan as futile.
At the same time, political scientist and defense expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Seth Jones, described Kellogg as a serious analyst, whose presence around Trump is meant to lend weight to decision-making regarding Ukraine in the White House. However, Jones noted that personal attacks from the Kremlin on Kellogg and his plan do not bode well for any agreement.
"Negotiations haven't even started yet, and they're already attacking the leading American involved. This does not look favorable for negotiations or even for a ceasefire," he stated.
Possible Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine
Recently, discussions about potential negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have emerged in the West. This has become particularly relevant following Donald Trump's victory in the United States presidential elections.
Trump himself supports the idea of swiftly ending hostilities and moving to dialogue. He believes that Ukrainian President Zelensky is inclined to reach a peace agreement with Russia. However, Trump is also likely to impose new sanctions on Russia if the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin does not come to the negotiating table regarding the war in Ukraine.
Earlier, it was reported that Trump's team is preparing for negotiations and a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to end the war against Ukraine. Additionally, the Kremlin has also expressed readiness for a meeting with Trump without any preconditions.