Trump's Possible Choice for Ukraine Liaison: Ric Grenell, According to Report

Richard "Ric" Grenell, who served as acting director of National Intelligence in President-elect Trump's first administration, is being considered for the role of special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Trump is considering creating a special envoy to end the war in Eastern Europe, according to four sources familiar with his deliberations, Reuters reported.

If he creates a new position, Grenell is reportedly a leading candidate, though Trump may choose someone else, and there is no guarantee that Grenell would accept the position if offered to him, sources said.

Instead of being named U.S. Secretary of State, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was chosen to lead the State Department.

Neither Grenell nor the Trump transition team responded to requests for comment.

Trump frequently pledged to swiftly resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine if elected, but he has never presented a detailed plan to end the war.

Ukrainian leadership may have concerns about statements made by Grenell, a Trump loyalist known for being outspoken.

In a Bloomberg round table in July, he proposed the establishment of "autonomous zones" as a solution to the conflict that arose after Russia invaded Ukrainian territory. Additionally, he stated that he would not support Ukraine's immediate admission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a stance that aligns with many Trump allies.

Grenell's supporters highlight his extensive diplomatic background and profound understanding of European issues. Aside from his tenure as ambassador to Germany, he also served as a special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace talks.

Prior to working for the first Trump administration, Grenell served as a U.S. State Department spokesman to the United Nations under President George W. Bush. He has also advised various Republican candidates and was a foreign policy spokesman for Mitt Romney during the 2012 presidential campaign.

Grenell was previously a Planet Chronicle contributor.

Reuters contributed to this report.