Driscoll Takes Lead in Kyiv Peace Push as Hegseth Remains in Washington

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll traveled to Kyiv this week and has taken a prominent, hands‑on role in renewed negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. He met President Volodymyr Zelensky and presented a 28‑point peace plan the administration has quietly developed, while Washington is reportedly pressing Kyiv to reach an agreement by Thanksgiving.

Driscoll’s presence in Kyiv stood in sharp contrast to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who remained in Washington for meetings and public appearances. Hegseth has faced a wave of criticism and online ridicule in recent months over a series of controversies — including revealing operation names on social media, sharing operational details in private chats, and a string of gaffe-prone public moments.

What happened in Kyiv

Driscoll — one of the most senior U.S. officials from the administration to visit Ukraine so far — met face to face with President Zelensky and outlined the administration’s 28‑point proposal. Zelensky acknowledged Ukraine faces “a very difficult choice between the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner,” and said Kyiv would propose its own alternatives as it seeks a negotiated outcome.

“A very difficult choice between the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner,” — Volodymyr Zelensky.

Contrast with Hegseth

Hegseth, a former television host who became defense secretary, stayed in Washington this week for Cabinet events and other meetings. His recent public activity has included outspoken social media posts, complaints about military grooming rules, staged workouts with troops and a widely shared video of him helping hang a sign reading “Department of War” at the Pentagon. He has also been criticized for revealing the names of operations and for earlier sharing of strike information in a private messaging group.

People familiar with internal White House discussions say there is currently more trust in Driscoll’s ability to deliver sensitive messages to foreign leaders. Driscoll is a close ally of Vice President JD Vance — the two attended Yale Law School together — and served in the Army for three and a half years, including a deployment to Iraq. He has also taken on additional responsibilities, briefly serving as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Behind the scenes

Insiders say the White House has not publicly signaled that Hegseth’s job is in jeopardy, but there has been friction with senior West Wing staff. A person familiar with the matter indicated that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles does not distrust Hegseth personally but does question some of his judgment, including his choice for chief of staff.

The administration’s push to advance the peace talks — and the contrast between Driscoll’s overseas role and Hegseth’s Washington presence — underscores shifting dynamics within the Pentagon and the broader national security team.