Trump Taps Kellogg to End the War in Ukraine in 100 Days, WSJ Reports

US President Donald Trump tasked his special envoy to Ukraine, retired Lt. General Keith Kellogg with achieving a resolution to the ongoing war within 100 days, the Wall Street Journal reported on January 22.

The appointment signals Trump’s intention to take a direct role in steering peace talks, though many analysts remain skeptical of a swift resolution.

The announcement comes as part of Trump’s efforts to fulfill a campaign pledge to address the war in Ukraine. However, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has shown little urgency in pursuing negotiations. In a recent video statement, Putin underscored the need for lasting peace rather than temporary measures.

“The goal of any talks should not be a brief truce or a regrouping of forces but a lasting peace that respects the interests of all people in the region,” Putin said.

Trump criticized Russia’s invasion, calling it detrimental to Russia’s own future. When asked if he might impose additional sanctions on Moscow if negotiations falter, Trump responded that it “sounds likely.”

Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general with extensive military experience, served on Trump’s National Security Council during his first term. Known for his loyalty to Trump, Kellogg has often been described as a trusted advisor who avoids offering unsolicited opinions. While his military background is seen as an asset, his lack of formal diplomatic experience has raised questions about his suitability for leading negotiations of this magnitude.

John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, remarked, “Kellogg is loyal and dependable, but he’s not known for pushing back or offering independent judgment.”

Kellogg’s appointment follows his co-authorship of a peace plan published by the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute. The plan proposed delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership, offering limited sanctions relief to Russia, and using conditional military aid as leverage to encourage negotiations. The proposal has drawn criticism for its perceived concessions to Moscow.

Russian officials have dismissed the plan as unfeasible, with state media describing it as lacking both appeal and coercive strength. Kremlin commentators have also criticized Kellogg’s perceived bias, pointing to his daughter’s involvement in humanitarian aid efforts for Ukraine as evidence of a lack of impartiality.

Experts caution that the path to a peace agreement will be challenging. Seth Jones, a defense analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that Russian officials have already criticized Kellogg, suggesting a difficult road ahead.

“The negotiations haven’t started yet, and there’s already resistance,” Jones said. “This reflects the complexity of finding common ground in a deeply entrenched conflict.”

Earlier, Kellogg stated that Trump has no intention of making concessions to Putin and is committed to saving Ukraine.