### Trump’s Selection of Keith Kellogg as US Envoy to Ukraine and Russia Sparks Debate

Donald Trump’s choice to appoint retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg as the US envoy to Ukraine and Russia has reignited scrutiny over a policy proposal co-written by Kellogg, which suggests a conditional approach to ending the ongoing war. The plan, named "America First, Russia & Ukraine," advocates for halting US weapons deliveries to Ukraine unless it enters peace negotiations with Moscow. Conversely, should Russia refuse to negotiate, the plan supports ramping up military aid to Ukraine.

Co-authored by Kellogg and former CIA analyst Fred Fleitz, the policy paper blames the current US administration for a disjointed foreign policy they believe exacerbated the three-year conflict. They criticize President Joe Biden’s administration for various foreign policy decisions, including the withdrawal from Afghanistan and strained relations with allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia. They argue these actions have pushed Russia closer to China, forming a strategic axis involving Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

According to Kellogg and Fleitz, an "America First" strategy could have prevented Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They contend that instead of issuing threats of unprecedented sanctions, the US should have pursued negotiations to ease tensions. Trump has shown favorable interest in the plan, finding alignment with his perspective on international conflicts.

The Trump camp maintains that US support for Ukraine has drained resources needed to address more pressing security threats, such as China. This viewpoint, shared by Ohio Senator JD Vance, underscores the Trump administration's stance on burden-sharing among allied nations. Both Trump and Vance have voiced that European nations should contribute more significantly to global security efforts.

The document also proposes delaying or abandoning Ukraine’s potential NATO membership as a negotiation tool to bring Russia to the discussion table. It suggests that should Ukraine not engage in peace talks, US support would cease, but if Russia does not comply, Ukraine would receive increased military support to counteract Russian aggression effectively.

Despite its advocacy for a settlement, the proposal acknowledges the difficulties in reaching a peace deal that does not fully restore Ukraine's territorial integrity or hold Russia accountable for the conflict's damages. Kellogg and Fleitz stress that the ongoing war has become a brutal war of attrition, with severe consequences for a generation of young Ukrainians, thus prioritizing negotiations as a critical step towards resolution.

In light of Kellogg's new role, Trump emphasized his long-standing collaboration with the general, highlighting Kellogg’s extensive experience within Trump’s national security team. The shift occurs as President Biden continues efforts to maximize weapon transfers to Ukraine before the end of his term, amidst controversial discussions over potential escalations, such as arming Ukraine with nuclear capabilities—a notion that Russia has denounced as irresponsible.

Trump’s decision to appoint Kellogg has drawn mixed reactions, reflecting the broader debate over the best path to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.