President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg, will travel to Kyiv and several European capitals in early January as part of the new administration’s effort to quickly resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Sources familiar with the plans revealed that Kellogg’s trip, which will begin soon after New Year’s Day, will focus on fact-finding rather than active negotiations. Kellogg is expected to meet with senior leaders in Kyiv and is working to arrange talks with officials in cities like Paris and Rome. However, Moscow is not part of the planned itinerary.
While the specific details of Kellogg’s trip are still being finalized, it highlights President-elect Trump’s urgency to bring an end to the war. Trump has previously promised to resolve the conflict within 24 hours of taking office, although former intelligence and national-security experts have expressed skepticism, citing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to negotiate.
Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that resolving the war quickly remains a top priority for the incoming president. Trump’s approach includes advocating for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, with some advisers suggesting plans that could involve Ukraine ceding territory to Russia.
In a recent private meeting, Trump called for Ukraine to begin peace talks immediately. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, insisted that any agreement must include significant security guarantees.
Trump’s efforts come as he continues to push for a swift ceasefire and further diplomatic discussions to end the war.