The Playbook Podcast Parsing Trump’s Ukraine peace plan
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Nov 25, 2025 President Trump sends Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to UAE to reshape a controversial Ukraine peace plan. The revised version, once criticized, is now gaining traction in Kyiv, with President Zelenskyy expressing optimism. The hosts explore why a military leader is involved in diplomacy, contrasting GOP views on foreign policy. They also touch on Trump's strategic staffing choices, political maneuvering, and reactions to legal challenges. In lighter moments, there's a delightful anecdote about an elephant pregnancy at the National Zoo.
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Plan Rapidly Reworked To Win Kyiv's Backing
- The Ukraine peace plan evolved quickly from an original 28-point, Russia-friendly draft to a slimmer version more acceptable to Kyiv.
- That shift made today's US-Russia discussions possible and raised new questions about Moscow's response.
Driscoll's Mission Signals Vance Influence
- Sending Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to meet Russians is unorthodox but signals influence from J.D. Vance's circle.
- It suggests Vance-aligned figures could gain prominence in a potential next Trump administration.
Gaza Deal Inspired A Repeat Attempt In Ukraine
- Jack recounts how the Gaza peace effort success led Trump to ask Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner's son-in-law to try a similar approach in Ukraine.
- The original Witkoff plan was criticized for favoring Russia before it was pared down.