According to sources, a group of Western diplomats gathered in Kyiv last week to hear the Trump administration's pitch for its Ukraine peace plan that is friendly toward Russia. At the meeting, U.S. Army Secretary Driscoll warned Western diplomats that Russia is mass-producing long-range missiles. He viewed this as another reason to push for an early end to the war in Ukraine, even if the solution included conditions that Kyiv was unwilling to accept. Otherwise, Ukraine would face catastrophic consequences, and there would be risks of spillover effects from the war. Although Russia is unlikely to slow down its weapons production because of the end of the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire would at least remove any justification for Moscow to attack other European countries. This logic contrasts sharply with the previous U.S. narrative on the war in Ukraine. However, the Trump administration's warning is not without basis. The U.S. assessment that Russia is accelerating missile production has been supported by Ukrainian military data analysts, indicating a significant shift in Russia's defense industry that could give Russian forces an advantage on the battlefield. Analysts suggest that Russia may use its missile stockpiles to inflict devastating damage on Ukraine's already damaged power infrastructure; gradually deplete Ukraine's increasingly scarce air defense missiles, making cities like Kyiv vulnerable; and also threaten other European countries with missile or drone attacks.
Driscoll is a close friend of Vance and has recently become one of the main communicators within the U.S. government on the Ukraine war. Many in Congress believe he is one of the few Pentagon officials in the Trump administration who can work with legislators from both parties. It is also widely believed that Driscoll is not optimistic about Ukraine's prospects in the war. Recently, he will again travel to Ukraine to meet with local officials. U.S. officials say he is easy to communicate with, an efficient and charismatic leader.
Notably, while Driscoll has become increasingly active, Hagerty has been relatively absent in matters related to Ukraine. However, the White House is not concerned about this, as they welcome Hagerty focusing his energy on policy, domestic culture wars, party disputes, and loyalty to Trump. White House press secretary Levitt disputed Hagerty's "absence," insisting that Hagerty is "deeply involved in all national security affairs."
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