As retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg steps into the role of President-elect Donald Trump’s special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, he faces a monumental task: finding a path to peace in a war that has devastated millions. This appointment raises hope that strong, principled leadership will guide U.S. efforts in the region. But any peace must be built on justice, and justice means ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security.

Upholding Ukraine’s Sovereignty

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, from the annexation of Crimea in 2014 to the full-scale war launched in 2022, is an undeniable violation of international law and an affront to basic decency. Ukraine, like any sovereign nation, has the right to defend itself and to determine its alliances. For Ukrainians, the desire to join NATO isn’t just about politics—it’s about survival. After enduring unprovoked aggression, it’s understandable that they would seek the protection of NATO’s collective defense pact.

Any ceasefire agreement brokered by Kellogg must insist on one clear, non-negotiable point: Russia must withdraw completely from Ukraine, including the illegally occupied Crimean peninsula. History has shown that appeasement of aggressors only emboldens them. As Proverbs 21:15 says, “It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.” Justice demands the restoration of Ukraine’s borders and the rejection of any attempts to legitimize Russia’s land grabs.

Sanctions Must Stay Until Justice is Done

The imposition of sanctions against Russia has been one of the few effective tools the West has used to hold Moscow accountable. These sanctions should remain in place—not as leverage for negotiations, but as a standing penalty for Russia’s actions. Lifting sanctions before Russia withdraws completely would send the wrong message: that the world will tolerate aggression if it’s protracted long enough.

Sanctions also serve as a deterrent. They signal to other authoritarian regimes that acts of war and territorial conquest come with a price. From a moral standpoint, removing these penalties without full accountability would betray not just Ukraine, but the global principles of justice and sovereignty.

Peace, But Not at Any Cost

As Kellogg pursues peace, the terms of any agreement must reflect the harsh reality that Ukraine has been the victim of aggression, not its perpetrator. Calls for Ukraine to give up territory or delay NATO membership in the name of compromise ignore the principle that justice should not come at the expense of the victim. Ukrainians have fought valiantly for their land, their people, and their future. Asking them to cede territory or forgo their right to security through NATO membership would reward Russian aggression and undermine the very foundations of peace.

Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), but peace is not the absence of conflict—it’s the presence of justice. True peace comes when wrongs are made right, not when the aggressor is appeased.

A Path Forward

Kellogg’s role as a negotiator will require wisdom, patience, and resolve. He must navigate the treacherous waters of diplomacy, balancing the need for immediate relief from violence with the long-term goals of justice and stability. His military background equips him with the discipline and strategic thinking needed for the task, but the moral clarity of his mission is equally critical.

For Ukraine, peace means the return of all its territory, the right to pursue its own alliances, and security from future aggression. For Russia, it means accountability. Anything less is not peace—it’s a pause before the next war.

A Call to Action

As people of faith and conviction, we must pray for Kellogg and all those involved in these negotiations. We must also speak up for the principles of sovereignty, justice, and freedom. Romans 12:21 reminds us, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Standing with Ukraine is not just a geopolitical stance; it’s a stand for righteousness in the face of oppression.

Let us pray for a resolution that brings true peace—not at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty, but through the triumph of justice. May the efforts of those like Keith Kellogg reflect the strength and wisdom needed to confront evil and restore what has been unjustly taken.