This position is crucial to the new administration’s effort to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Trump praised Kellogg, noting, "He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!"

Kellogg, who has previously served as chief of staff on the National Security Council and as former Vice President Mike Pence's national security adviser during Trump’s first term, has garnered a positive initial reaction. "Thank god," expressed one European official to Semafor, commenting that Kellogg is "not the worst option at all." This sentiment is buoyed by the fact that other candidates considered for the role, like ex-intelligence chief Ric Grenell, were seen as less favorable due to their skepticism about extending further aid to Ukraine.

In previous policy recommendations, Kellogg has suggested that the U.S. should provide arms to Ukraine, but with conditions. Alongside Fred Fleitz, another former Trump official, Kellogg proposed that Ukrainian NATO membership should be halted indefinitely in exchange for a comprehensive deal with security guarantees. They also suggested that Ukraine should aim to reclaim territories occupied by Russia through diplomatic channels, rather than military action. Furthermore, increased U.S. aid to Ukraine should be contingent upon Russia's willingness to enter negotiations. Kellogg and Fleitz also recommended that the reconstruction of Ukraine could be financed by levies on Russian energy sales.

While it remains unclear how much of Kellogg's strategy will influence Trump’s Ukraine policy, the president-elect reportedly reacted positively when briefed on these recommendations. The upcoming administration's approach to the conflict in Ukraine will likely draw from these strategic insights.