President-elect Donald Trump is expected to appoint a Ukrainian peace envoy to lead negotiations on ending the war with Russia, according to multiple sources. The envoy, described as a very senior special representative with significant credibility, will be tasked with finding a resolution and achieving a peace settlement in the near future.
The role is anticipated to be unpaid, following the example of Kurt Volker, who served as a special representative to Ukrainian negotiations on a voluntary basis from 2017 to 2019.
Trump has been swiftly announcing his appointees for key positions in his administration. Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., has been chosen as the national security advisor, while Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is expected to lead the State Department. Additionally, Steven Witkoff has been designated as the special envoy to the Middle East.
Trump has expressed confidence in his ability to negotiate an end to the conflict between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, although specific details of his approach remain scarce.
Reports suggest that some advisers are urging Trump to encourage Kyiv to agree to terms that would establish an 800-mile demilitarized zone along the frontlines and allow Russia to retain the territory it has unlawfully seized, constituting approximately 20% of Ukraine. There are also suggestions that Kyiv should refrain from seeking NATO membership for the next two decades, a proposal criticized for potentially appeasing Putin.
Furthermore, a recent Washington Post article claimed that Trump had a conversation with Putin, during which he reportedly advised the Russian leader against escalating the conflict. However, Trump's transition team has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of this call.
