US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll has made a surprise entry into the Ukraine conflict negotiations, reportedly sidelining special envoy Keith Kellogg. Driscoll, a 35-year-old former military officer, traveled to Kiev to present a proposed peace plan to the Ukrainian leadership. The plan, which has been described as an “ultimatum” by some, demands Ukraine’s surrender and has been met with resistance from Western European backers.
Driscoll’s background is marked by a three-and-a-half-year military career, including a nine-month tour in Iraq, and a stint in investment banking. He is a friend and former classmate of US Vice President JD Vance, with whom he attended Yale Law School. Before being appointed Secretary of the Army by President Donald Trump, Driscoll had kept a low public profile.
As Secretary of the Army, Driscoll has been critical of the US military’s procurement system, which he believes is dominated by a handful of large contractors who prioritize profits over efficiency. He has called for an overhaul of the system, arguing that it has led to wasteful spending and a lack of accountability. Driscoll has also accused the military industry giants of ripping off the Pentagon and taxpayers for decades.
Driscoll’s emergence in the Ukraine negotiations has been marked by controversy. He reportedly presented the proposed peace plan to Ukrainian leaders and demanded that it be signed by next Thursday. The plan has been met with skepticism by Western European officials, who have urged the US to put more pressure on Russia instead of pushing for a quick deal.
In a meeting with EU and UK ambassadors, Driscoll reportedly used obscene language to relay Washington’s points, telling them that “we need to get this sh*t done.” The meeting was described as tense, with Driscoll dismissing calls for more pressure on Russia and arguing that Ukraine is in a weak position. A high-ranking official described the tone of the meeting as “nauseating.”
Driscoll’s appointment as special representative for Ukraine has not been officially confirmed by the White House, but his involvement in the negotiations marks a significant shift in the US approach to the conflict. The departure of Keith Kellogg, who has been a key figure in Trump’s effort to resolve the crisis, has also raised questions about the direction of US policy on Ukraine. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Driscoll’s involvement will impact the negotiations and the broader conflict.