US President-elect Donald Trump is considering appointing Richard Grenell as special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This was stated by four sources of "Reuters".
Grenell, who was ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence during Trump's 2017-2021 term, but only for a few months, will be key to Trump's quest to end the war if in eventually be elected to the post.
Although there is currently no special envoy dedicated solely to resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump is considering creating that position, the sources said. However, there is a chance that the newly elected president will reconsider this role.
During his election campaign, Donald Trump vowed to quickly end the conflict, but did not say how he would do it.
Some of Grenell's positions would not sit well with Ukraine, as during a Bloomberg roundtable in July he advocated the creation of "autonomous zones" as a means of conflict resolution. He also said he would not be in favor of Ukraine joining NATO in the near future, a position he shares with many Trump allies.
Grenell's supporters note that he has a long diplomatic career and knowledge of European affairs. In addition to being ambassador to Germany, Grenell was also a special presidential envoy for the peace talks between Serbia and Kosovo.
Caroline Leavitt, a Trump spokeswoman, declined to comment, saying the president-elect's personnel decisions "will continue to be announced by him as the decisions are made.
Grenell, who is campaigning for Trump in the Nov. 5 election, was a top contender for secretary of state. He was eventually replaced by Republican US Senator Marco Rubio.