By Gram Slattery, Humeyra Pamuk and Nathan Layne
President-elect Donald Trump is contemplating tapping Richard Grenell, his former intelligence chief, to be a particular envoy for the Russia-Ukraine battle, in accordance with 4 sources conversant in the transition plans.
Grenell, who served as Trump’s ambassador to Germany and was performing director of nationwide intelligence throughout Trump’s 2017-2021 time period, would play a key function in Trump’s efforts to halt the conflict if he’s in the end chosen for the submit.
Whereas there’s presently no particular envoy devoted solely to resolving the Russia-Ukraine battle, Trump is contemplating creating the function, in accordance with the 4 sources, who requested anonymity to debate inside deliberations.
Trump may in the end resolve to not create a particular envoy for the battle in Ukraine, though he’s strongly contemplating doing so, the sources stated. If he does, he may in the end choose another person for the function, and there’s no assure Grenell would settle for.
Trump vowed on the marketing campaign path to swiftly finish the battle, though he has not stated how he’ll do it.
A few of Grenell’s stances may give Ukraine’s leaders pause.
Throughout a Bloomberg roundtable in July, he advocated for the creation of “autonomous zones” as a way of settling the battle, which started after Russia invaded Ukrainian sovereign territory. He additionally prompt he wouldn’t be in favor of Ukraine becoming a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Group within the instant future, a place he shares with many Trump allies.
Grenell’s supporters notice he has had an extended diplomatic profession and has a deep information of European affairs. Along with serving as ambassador to Germany, Grenell was additionally a particular presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition effort, declined to remark, past saying the president-elect’s personnel selections “will proceed to be introduced by him when they’re made.”
Grenell didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Grenell, who campaigned for Trump within the lead as much as the Nov. 5 election, was a high contender to be secretary of state.
He was in the end handed over for Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, a transfer that stunned and upset a few of Grenell’s shut allies.
This text was produced by Reuters information company. It has not been edited by International South World.
