Trump Appoints Keith Kellogg as Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia

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President-elect Donald Trump named retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who served as National Security Council chief of staff and adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence, will assume the role amid ongoing tensions nearly three years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Trump praised Kellogg on social media, highlighting his military career and prior service in Trump’s administration. “Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” Trump wrote.

Trump’s return to office has sparked speculation about U.S. support for Ukraine. Under President Biden, the U.S. provided over $64 billion in military aid since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while claiming he could settle the conflict before taking office. After the election, Trump and Zelenskyy held what the latter called an “excellent” call to advance cooperation.

Ret. Gen. H.R. McMaster suggested both Russia and Ukraine are focused on maximizing battlefield gains before Trump’s administration begins, which could influence future negotiations.