Earlier this month, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll found himself at the White House. He was prepping for a visit to Kyiv to discuss drone technology when President Trump assigned him a new task: encourage Ukraine to restart peace talks with Russia, and do it quickly.
At 38, Driscoll, an Army veteran with no diplomatic background, was taking on a significant challenge. However, his close ties with Vice President JD Vance, a Yale Law School classmate, suggested he might navigate this terrain. The trust between U.S. Army officials and their Ukrainian counterparts, built over years of collaboration, provided a solid foundation for these discussions.
Trump has a fondness for Driscoll, often referring to him as the “drone guy” due to his expertise in drone technology. According to sources, Trump frequently seeks Driscoll’s insights regarding Ukraine when he’s at the White House.
Driscoll was eager to embrace this challenge. After a week of intense diplomacy across three countries, a breakthrough seemed to emerge. Kyiv was open to “key terms” for a peace agreement, which Driscoll and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had refined with Ukrainian officials in Geneva.
Driscoll’s role is emblematic of Trump’s preference for non-traditional approaches in diplomacy. The President often chooses individuals with personal or business connections rather than veteran diplomats for critical negotiations. For example, Jared Kushner played a pivotal role in Middle Eastern negotiations, while Steve Witkoff has been involved in discussions about Ukraine and Gaza.
Despite Driscoll’s lack of experience, he maintained ongoing communication with the White House, with Trump sending instructions through Vance and Witkoff. “Trust is crucial in fast-paced negotiations like this,” one source noted, highlighting the strong relationships between Driscoll, Vance, and Witkoff.
However, the Russians had yet to agree to the revised plan, which had shifted substantially from the original proposal that leaned heavily in their favor. Driscoll’s mission revealed his growing influence within the administration, a position he has embraced, even as it has created some tension with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
“Driscoll has really become a rising star in the administration,” noted Leslie Shedd, a former senior adviser. “Trump is calling in his all-stars to see who can secure the best deal,” she added, pointing out the importance of fresh perspectives in stalled negotiations.
Interestingly, Hegseth has not been part of this “all-star” lineup. Speculations are mounting that Driscoll could one day replace Hegseth, which has been a point of quiet discussion among officials. The contrast between Driscoll’s diplomatic endeavors and Hegseth’s focus on domestic political issues has not gone unnoticed.
Hegseth’s rocky relations with Ukraine, exacerbated by delays in weapon shipments, have led to a shift in strategy. Early in his tenure, he made surprising comments about Ukraine’s NATO membership, raising concerns.
Although Driscoll may lack diplomacy experience, his trusted status in Trump’s circle plays a vital role. Former U.S. Ambassador Daniel Fried emphasized the need for someone who understands the intricate details of negotiations. “The Russians are unpredictable; you need someone savvy to handle their tactics,” he warned, urging for cautious optimism.
This scenario highlights a dynamic shift in diplomacy, where unconventional figures could redefine traditional roles. As the situation evolves, many will be watching to see if Driscoll’s approach leads to a peaceful resolution.
For further reading on U.S.-Ukraine relations, check out the latest updates from credible sources like Reuters.
