An Unlikely Diplomat Emerges in Ukraine Crisis
In a surprising diplomatic move, Daniel Driscoll, the US Army Secretary, has become Donald Trump's principal envoy in efforts to end the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine. The former investment banker, who lacks conventional diplomatic experience, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on 20 November 2025 to deliver a controversial White House peace plan.
From Drone Guy to Peace Envoy
Driscoll's rise to this pivotal role appears unexpected given his background. With a business administration degree and previous career in investment banking, his main qualification for the Trump administration was his longstanding friendship with JD Vance, dating back to their Yale Law School days. Previously known within the administration as the "drone guy" due to his expertise in advanced technology, Driscoll now finds himself at the centre of international diplomacy.
The 28-point peace plan he presented to President Zelenskyy has been widely criticised by Ukrainians and European allies as amounting to "capitulation" that effectively rewards Moscow for its aggression. Despite this controversial reception, Driscoll is expected to travel to Russia this week to discuss the same proposal with the Kremlin.
Administration Dynamics and European Concerns
Driscoll's new prominence coincides with significant shifts within the Trump administration. The official Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, who was seen as broadly sympathetic to Kyiv, is expected to step down in coming weeks. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has been sidelined from this delicate diplomatic mission following various controversies.
According to sources familiar with administration dynamics, "There's not a lot of trust in Hegseth to deliver these messages to key leaders. There is more trust in Dan to do that right now." This trust has been earned since Driscoll's swearing-in on 25 February, with White House insiders reportedly impressed by his performance as one of the administration's most skillful operators.
The mission creates particular challenges with European NATO allies, given the significant gulf that has opened up between Europe and the Trump administration over Ukraine policy. Driscoll will need to navigate these strained relationships while advocating for a peace plan that many European leaders view unfavourably.
Military Background and Drone Expertise
Driscoll brings substantial military credentials to his unexpected diplomatic role. The son of a Vietnam War infantryman, he served more than three years in the US Army, including a nine-month deployment to Iraq in 2009. His service earned him several military awards, including an army commendation medal.
His interest in drone technology initially prompted his scheduled trip to Kyiv, before President Trump expanded his mission to include peace negotiations. In Pentagon briefings this month, Driscoll praised Ukraine's drone production capabilities, noting their ability to produce over 1.5 million drones annually.
"When you look at Ukraine, [they] have not accepted the current version of a thing as sufficient, and they have MacGyvered and come up with whatever they have to do to get to an outcome they need," Driscoll told reporters, highlighting Ukrainian innovation that the US defence industry might emulate.
This expertise becomes particularly relevant as the US attempts to purchase one million drones over the next two to three years - a target beyond American defence contractors' current production capacity. Kyiv may leverage its renowned drone facilities as bargaining power to mitigate what they perceive as an unfavourable peace agreement.
As Driscoll prepares for his crucial meetings in Moscow, his unconventional path from drone specialist to peace negotiator underscores the Trump administration's distinctive approach to ending Europe's most significant military conflict.
