Envoy announces Trump willing to ‘double down’ on Russia penalties

(MENAFN) US President Donald trump is prepared to intensify sanctions on Russia to encourage an end to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, according to his special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. Trump has given Kellogg 100 days to negotiate a settlement, warning that additional sanctions could follow if Moscow does not agree to a resolution. Kellogg described current sanctions as only moderately impactful and suggested they could be increased, particularly in response to the EU's latest measures targeting Russian oil production.

Kellogg criticized former President Joe Biden’s approach to providing unlimited aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a balanced strategy involving economic and diplomatic pressure alongside military action. He also denied reports that he would present a peace plan at the Munich Security Conference.

Trump has expressed his readiness to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though Putin has stated that talks would be considered “illegitimate” under the current conditions. Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for collaboration with Trump’s team and stressed that any peace plan must involve Ukrainian input and maintain US military support for Kiev. Russia, for its part, insists that any agreement must include Ukraine’s commitment to neutrality, demilitarization, and the recognition of territorial changes.

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