Trump sets a 100-day deadline to end war in Ukraine
- 23 January, 09:53
US President Donald Trump has tasked his special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg to achieve a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine within 100 days, the Wall Street Journal, WSJ, reported on Wednesday, citing an unnamed source.
The announcement comes as part of Trump’s efforts to fulfil his campaign pledge to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump appointed retired army Lt. general Kellogg to the role of Special Envoy to Ukraine last November. According to the source cited by the WSJ, Kellog’s appointment was like an initial step in reaching a peace agreement. However, concluding the war in Ukraine seems more challenging that Trump promised during his election campaign as the Kremlin has “no interest” in cooperating with Kellogg, according to WSJ. In a video address on January 20 when Trump was sworn in to office, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was open to a dialogue with the US administration, adding that, however, that that settlement would include “lasting peace” rather than a “short truce”.
Trump had vowed to end the war on day one of his historic second term as president. During one of his campaign speeches, Trump pledged he would talk to both Kyiv and Moscow to resolve the conflict that was “dying to be settled” and to avoid “World War III”.
The WSJ source said the understanding between Putin and Trump could lead to improved relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, there are growing concerns that Trump administration might push Kyiv to make concessions to Kremlin during possible peace negotiations. Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton said: "I think Putin knows how to play Trump, and Kellogg is unlikely to act as a counterbalance to Putin's influence.”
