Trump's ambitious 100‑day plan to end Ukraine conflict falters
The US president, Donald Trump, wishes to personally oversee negotiations to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, according to the Wall Street Journal, the special US envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, may not significantly impact these talks despite advocating for increased assistance to Kyiv.
President Trump has tasked retired General Keith Kellogg with ending the war in Ukraine within 100 days. However, as Alan Cullison, a columnist for The Wall Street Journal, notes, this goal is met with widespread scepticism, particularly from Russia.
Does Trump personally want to end the war?
As Trump's envoy, Kellogg is supposed to advise the president in negotiations, but it is uncertain if Trump wants to use his advice.
Kellogg has repeatedly emphasised the need for continued support for Ukraine. He suggested that increasing arms deliveries might prompt Moscow to negotiate. However, his loyalty to Trump makes it unlikely that he will confront him over Ukraine.
A former colleague of General Kellogg remarked that while Trump values his company and considers him highly loyal, Kellogg has not substantially influenced Trump's policies.
The "gingerbread and sticks" plan
Neither Kellogg nor his peace plan has gained recognition in Moscow. Kremlin officials mocked his proposal, calling it unrealistic, and the Kremlin-controlled tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda labelled the document as a "gingerbread and sticks" plan—"neither frightening nor encouraging to the Russian side," emphasises Cullison.
Seth Jones, a security analyst from CSIS, observed that the Kremlin is already undermining Kellogg, the primary U.S. representative for the talks, even before negotiations have begun. He noted that this does not indicate a promising outlook for the talks or the ceasefire.
