US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll to Lead Ukrainian Peace Talks: What to Expect
TL/DR –
US Army Secretary Daniel Patrick Driscoll is expected to become President Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine as negotiations for a peace plan continue. The plan includes controversial aspects such as whether Ukraine should cede territories to Russia and whether Ukraine should be barred from NATO membership. Observers describe Driscoll as a tough negotiator, who is allegedly threatening and intimidating, and yet may give fresh impetus to the peace talks while pushing Ukraine to make the decisions US leadership needs.
Observers describe US Army Secretary Daniel Patrick Driscoll as a tough negotiator bringing new impetus to Ukraine-Russia peace talks
Driscoll is anticipated to be US President Donald Trump’s next special envoy to Ukraine, replacing retiring General Keith Kellogg in 2026. He’s soon visiting Kyiv for the second time in a week to discuss the USA’s proposed peace plan.
Peace Plan Controversies
Debates surround the proposed plan, particularly on whether Ukraine should surrender territories to Russia, and a possible ban on Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Will Ukrainian Negotiators Face Challenges?
Previous meetings indicate Driscoll could intimidate Ukrainian negotiators with threats allegedly from Russia. Reports suggest he presents a worsening situation, urging Ukraine to agree on a peace settlement immediately.
“Driscoll delivers ultimatums, is challenging to approach, and essentially does what Trump and his vice president, JD Vance, command,” said Ivan Us of Ukraine’s National Institute for Strategic Studies.
Trump’s Circle Power Struggles
Driscoll and Vance are known friends from Yale Law School. Achieving a successful peace agreement in Ukraine could significantly alter the power dynamics within Trump’s circle, especially concerning future elections.
Ukrainian observers express concerns about the lack of historical understanding of Russia’s war against Ukraine by Driscoll and other US officials. Despite this, they predict Driscoll will invigorate the peace process.
Driscoll’s Expected Influence on Peace Plan
Driscoll is expected to continue pressuring Ukraine to accept the US plan. After his visit to Kyiv, the peace plan will likely be discussed and approved by the US and Ukraine presidents. “Driscoll is just another special envoy, dealing with issues toxic for Donald Trump,” said Oleksandr Kraiev of Prism Ua. “Ultimately, Trump will decide on all Ukraine-related issues.”
This article was originally written in Ukrainian.
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