President Trump, preparing for his second term as president, announced Wednesday the nomination of retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as Assistant to the President and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia. The move highlights Trump’s focus on addressing the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe with a blend of diplomacy and strength, hallmarks of his foreign policy approach.
Kellogg, a highly respected military officer with deep national security experience, served as Chief of Staff to the National Security Council during Trump’s first administration. He was a key advisor on defense and foreign affairs, earning Trump’s trust as a steady hand during critical moments. With this new role, Kellogg is poised to spearhead peace talks and strategies aimed at stabilizing the volatile region.
In his announcement on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his commitment to “peace through strength,” saying, “Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg echoed Trump’s sentiments on X, calling it “the privilege of my life” to work for the president and pledging to tirelessly pursue peace while protecting America’s interests.
Kellogg’s nomination arrives at a crucial moment. The war in Ukraine has escalated into the largest European conflict since World War II, with catastrophic losses on both sides. Kellogg has been outspoken about the need for a decisive American strategy, criticizing the Biden administration’s cautious approach to arming Ukraine and handling diplomatic efforts. In July, he bluntly stated that if Ukraine refuses to negotiate, they must prepare for the devastating consequences of continued conflict.
Trump’s decision to create the special envoy position reflects a proactive shift toward resolving the war. Kellogg’s experience in diplomacy and military strategy could lend credibility to peace talks and signal the administration’s intent to prioritize this issue. In April, Kellogg co-authored a strategy paper advocating for a swift cease-fire and a negotiated settlement, arguing that stronger U.S. leadership could have prevented the war from reaching its current stalemate.
The nomination also underscores Trump’s pattern of drawing on seasoned allies from his first administration to fill critical roles. While the envoy position bypasses Senate confirmation, Kellogg’s appointment would likely face little GOP resistance if required.
With this move, Trump signals a bold approach to international conflict resolution, emphasizing negotiation backed by strength. Whether Kellogg can help broker peace remains to be seen, but his appointment reflects Trump’s belief in experienced, decisive leadership to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.