President-elect Donald Trump has made a promise to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war as soon as he takes office. According to a report from Fox News, he may appoint a Ukrainian peace envoy in the near future to spearhead this effort. This envoy will be a senior official with credibility tasked with finding a resolution and achieving a peace settlement.
The appointment is expected to happen quickly, and it is noteworthy that the role will not be salaried. Previously, Kurt Volker served as a special representative for Ukrainian negotiations on a volunteer basis from 2017 to 2019.
Recent announcements of new members joining Trump’s administration have raised concerns among his supporters, with many noting the hawkish tendencies of the appointees. There have been reports of Trump warning Russian President Vladimir Putin against escalating in Ukraine during a phone call, although the Kremlin has denied the existence of such a call.
A potential peace plan for Ukraine under Trump’s administration may involve a ‘freeze’ on the war, which could solidify Russia’s control over a portion of Ukraine and suspend Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership for 20 years. This plan has garnered mixed reactions, with some calling for an end to senseless killings and war profiteering.
Choosing a special envoy for Ukraine peace will be crucial, as most State Department veterans involved in the conflict are likely to be hawks. Trump may need to look outside traditional circles to find someone who can garner respect and influence from both Ukrainian and Russian sides.
The Kremlin has indicated a willingness to engage with Trump on this issue, but the choice of envoy will be closely watched. A well-known Russia hawk in the envoy role could sour relations with Moscow and impact the future trajectory of the conflict.