It started with a visit to war-torn Ukraine to gauge the use of drone technology. But as diplomatic momentum built up to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was tapped by President Donald Trump to help close the U.S.-backed deal.

“Driscoll is a trusted voice of the administration and a close ally,” a senior U.S. official told Military Times. The official said Driscoll emerged as a key member of the negotiating team due to a twist of fate.

“As these conversations were happening, he already had plans to be on the ground in Ukraine,” the official said.

The Army secretary had arranged a trip to Ukraine to see firsthand how its military utilizes drones in combat, the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss scheduling.

Driscoll then went o

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