Donald Trump has chosen former general Keith Kellogg,an 80-year-old close adviser,to negotiate a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
He is Donald Trump’s “Mr. Ukraine”. The President-elect announced on Wednesday, November 27, that General Keith Kellogg would be appointed as ambassador to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
“It has been with me from the beginning! Together we will achieve peace through strength and make America and the world safe again!”
National Security Adviser
A veteran of the vietnam War and the Gulf War,keith Kellogg has been one of Donald Trump’s top foreign policy advisors since 2016. Little known to the general public, he held several high-profile positions during the first Republican term.
Between 2017 and 2018, the soldier served as chief of staff on the white House national Security Council. he also briefly chaired this council, which is responsible for the foreign policy of the White House, acting for a few days after the resignation of General Michael T. Flynn.
Keith Kellogg then served as National Security Advisor to Vice President Mike Pence until Donald Trump’s term ended in January 2021.
Press Zelensky
The General has been involved in several investigations of Donald Trump since his first term,he recalls the American news agency Associated Press. Keith Kellog was notably among the Trump administration officials who listened to the july 2019 call between the president and Volodymyr Zelensky when the Republican pushed his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate the activities of Joe Biden and his Hunter’s son.
This appeal is in the middle of the first of two impeachment proceedings (impeachment) launched by the democrats against donald Trump. Accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress,the president was eventually acquitted by the Republican-led Senate.
Vrey critical of the billions of dollars the United States has released to Ukraine, Donald Trump has promised to resolve the war between Kyiv and Moscow even before taking the oath of office in January – without ever explaining how.
The 80-year-old former general, appointed by the Republican to lead this mission, raised the question ia note published in April by the America First Policy Institutea conservative think tank close to the Donald trump campaign.
Postponing Ukraine’s accession to NATO
“Any future US military aid will require Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia,” he said in the document. He also called for the “long-term postponement of ukraine’s membership in NATO” to “persuade (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to participate in peace talks.”
In his note, co-written with another conservative, the former general considered that “the Ukrainian goverment and people will have difficulty accepting a negotiated peace that will not give them all their territory back”.
“But as Donald Trump said (…) in 2023, ‘I want everyone to stop dying’. That is also our attitude. It is indeed a good first step,” he said.
Donald trump, who put his first mandate under the sign “America first”, regularly denies the huge amounts that Washington has released to kyiv since the Russian invasion in February 2022.
The businessman called the president of Ukraine “the best salesman on the planet.” “Every time he comes to our country, he leaves with 60 billion dollars,” he said.
In the middle of the American presidential campaign, the two men spoke in the billionaire’s tower in New York at the end of September, during a meeting described as “very productive” by Volodymyr Zelensky.
The two presidents then had a new exchange, on the telephone, after the victory of Donald Trump. Elon Musk, the richest man in the world and a member of the president-elect’s team, took part in the call.
How does General Kellogg’s military background influence his approach to diplomatic negotiations?
Interview between Time.news Editor and General Keith Kellogg
Editor: Good morning, General Kellogg. Thank you for joining us today.Let’s dive right in. You’ve been appointed as Donald Trump’s “Mr.Ukraine” to negotiate a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. What does this role entail for you?
General Kellogg: Good morning, and thank you for having me.My role involves engaging both parties in dialog to pave the way for a peaceful resolution to this conflict. Our goal is to achieve peace through strength, ensuring that both American and global interests are safeguarded.
Editor: That’s a tall order given the ongoing tensions. As a veteran of both the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, how do your experiences shape your approach to these high-stakes negotiations?
General Kellogg: my military background has taught me the importance of strategy, patience, and understanding the dynamics of conflict. In any negotiation, it’s imperative to have a clear grasp of the historical context and the needs of both sides. This knowledge allows me to facilitate discussions that prioritize lasting peace over short-term gains.
Editor: In your previous positions, especially as National Security Adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, you have been involved in critical foreign policy decisions. How do those experiences influence your current mission with Ukraine?
general Kellogg: Serving in those roles gave me insights into the intricacies of international relations and the delicate balance of power. The lessons learned during my tenure—especially the significance of diplomacy and clear communication—will be instrumental in my negotiations with Ukraine and Russia.It’s about crafting an approach that is not only strategic but also empathetic toward the realities on the ground.
Editor: You were present during the infamous phone call between president Trump and President Zelensky in July 2019, which led to impeachment proceedings. How does that experience inform your work now, especially when it comes to rebuilding trust with Ukraine?
General Kellogg: That period was highly polarized and certainly complicated our relationship with Ukraine. However, I believe moving forward is about establishing openness and mutual respect. It’s crucial to show that we’re committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and that our intentions are sincere. building trust will take time, but it’s essential for fostering a constructive dialogue and eventual peace.
Editor: The conflict has dragged on for years with important implications for global security. What strategies do you plan to advocate for in order to resolve this long-standing issue?
General kellogg: First and foremost, we need to encourage direct talks between Ukraine and Russia. Confidence-building measures will also be critically important—such as arms reduction and economic incentives. We will leverage partnerships with our allies to ensure that any agreement is not only beneficial for the involved parties but also contributes to global stability.
Editor: As you embark on this challenging mission, what message would you like to convey to both the American public and our allies abroad regarding this engagement?
General Kellogg: It’s critically important for everyone to understand that peace is our primary objective. we must approach this situation with an open mind, recognizing the complexities involved while remaining steadfast in our commitments. Together,through strong diplomacy and engagement,we can work towards a safer world.
Editor: Thank you, General Kellogg, for your insights and clarity. We wish you the best of luck in your negotiations.
General Kellogg: Thank you for having me. I’m optimistic about what we can achieve.
