Trump dispatches Pentagon team to Kyiv to revive Ukraine peace talks

A senior Pentagon delegation is in Kyiv this week following direct orders from US President Donald Trump, initiating a fresh attempt to restart stalled peace talks aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The high-level group, led by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and including several senior generals, represents a significant diplomatic maneuver by the Trump administration to broker a deal between the warring nations.

Composition and Mission of the Delegation

The selection of Army Secretary Driscoll, whose primary role involves managing army personnel and equipment, points to a strategic shift in the US approach. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the administration believes that Moscow might be more receptive to envoys with a military background following the failure of previous civilian-led initiatives. A senior US official stated that the delegation's goal is to assess the "facts on the ground" and provide a comprehensive briefing to the White House upon their return.

Scheduled High-Level Engagements

The delegation's agenda includes meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, his senior government officials, military leaders, and defense industry representatives. A key aspect of the mission involves future contact, as Driscoll is also expected to meet with Russian officials at a later, unspecified date. This two-pronged engagement strategy is designed to lay the groundwork for direct negotiations.

Origins of the Diplomatic Push

This new peace initiative was reportedly conceived during a discussion between President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, a close ally. The WSJ reported that the plan to deploy Driscoll, who attended Yale Law School with Vance, emerged from this conversation. An administration official emphasized the president's position, stating, "The president has been clear that it is time to stop the killing and make a deal to end the war."