Trump Considers Former Intelligence Chief Richard Grenell To Handle Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Donald Trump consider telling me Richard Grenell to tackle the Russia-Ukraine conflict (Instagram/@richardgrell).

JAKARTA - The elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, is considering appointing Richard Grenell, his former intelligence chief, as a special envoy to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The news was reported by Reuters based on a search to four sources familiar with the transition plan.

Grenell, who served as Ambassador of the United States to Germany and served as Acting Director of National Intelligence during Trump's 2017-2021 term, will play an important role in Trump's efforts to stop the war if he is finally elected to the post.

Although currently no special envoy has been dedicated solely to resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump is considering creating the role.

Trump could eventually decide not to form a special envoy for the conflict in Ukraine, although he was very considering doing so.

If he does, he can eventually choose someone else for the role and there is no guarantee Grenell will accept it.

Trump vowed on campaign paths to immediately end the conflict, although he has not said how to do so.

Some of Grenell's attitudes can make Ukrainian leaders rethink.

During a discussion on the Bloomberg panel in July 2024, he advocated the establishment of an "autonomous zone" as a way to resolve the conflict, which began after Russia invaded Ukraine's sovereign territory.

He also said he would not support Ukraine joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the near future, a position that many Trump allies also hold.

Grenell's supporters note that he has a long diplomatic career and has deep knowledge of European affairs.

In addition to serving as the United States Ambassador to Germany, Grenell is also the President's special envoy to negotiate the peace of Serbia and Kosovo.

Krypto Leavitt, spokesman for Trump's transitional effort, declined to comment, in addition to saying the president-elect's personal decision would continue to be announced by him when it was made.

Grenell did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Grenell, who campaigned for Trump ahead of the November 5, 2024 general election, is one of the main candidates to become foreign minister.

He was eventually defeated by Republican US Senator Marco Rubio, a move that shocked and angered some of Grenell's close allies.