Donald Trump’s election victory and his vow to swiftly end the Ukraine-Russia war present both an ambitious promise and a diplomatic quandary. The appointment of Keith Kellogg as special envoy for the conflict underscores the gravity of this commitment. However, the lack of detailed strategies raises questions about the feasibility of this bold agenda. Mr Kellogg’s proposals hint at a pragmatic, albeit contentious, approach. His framework prioritises a ceasefire and negotiated settlement, leveraging US aid to compel Ukraine to participate in talks while holding Moscow accountable for any reluctance.

The suggestion to defer Ukraine’s Nato membership is particularly striking, as it balances between appeasing Russian concerns and maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty. While such a stance may entice Moscow to the negotiating table, it risks alienating Kyiv, whose aspirations for Nato integration are deeply tied to its security strategy. This balancing act highlights a broader challenge: the divergent interests of the parties........

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