Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Becomes Key Trump Envoy in Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, a 38-year-old Iraq War veteran and former venture capitalist, has unexpectedly emerged as a central figure in the Trump administration’s negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Initially tasked with modernizing the Army and streamlining drone procurement, Driscoll was tapped last week to represent the US in peace talks, meeting first with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv and then with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi.
Driscoll’s role marks an unconventional diplomatic choice, but his close relationship with Vice President JD Vance, a longtime friend from Yale Law School, gives him direct access to top White House decision-makers. Analysts say that trust and political influence could help him compensate for his limited diplomatic experience.
JUST IN: Peace on the table. Ukraine agrees to a deal to end the war with Russia, a U.S. official tells Fox News.
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and his team met with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi Monday and Tuesday to discuss a potential Ukraine peace framework—with the U.S.… pic.twitter.com/99opvwFoCu
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 25, 2025
After Zelenskyy praised the talks in Kyiv, Driscoll joined Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva before continuing negotiations with Russia. Observers view Driscoll’s rapid rise as emblematic of the administration’s unorthodox approach to foreign policy, blending political loyalty with improvisation in pursuit of a peace deal.
FBI Reportedly Probing Lawmakers Over Video Urging Troops to Defy Illegal Orders
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has requested interviews with several Democratic lawmakers involved in a video urging US service members to resist unlawful orders, according to statements released Tuesday.
The move follows a Pentagon investigation into Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a retired Navy captain, for possible military law violations related to his participation in the same video.
Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan said the FBI contacted congressional security officials on Monday to arrange interviews. Senator Elissa Slotkin said the inquiry appeared to stem from criticism by President Donald Trump, who condemned the video and labeled the six lawmakers the “Seditious Six.”
The lawmakers said the video was meant to remind troops of their oath to the Constitution. They accused Trump of weaponizing federal agencies to intimidate critics.
pic.twitter.com/42TxcjdJiK
— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) November 25, 2025
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Kelly could face court-martial proceedings since retired officers remain subject to recall.
The FBI declined to comment on the case, while Director Kash Patel said any investigation would depend on whether a lawful basis exists.
US Marine Corps Fires Okinawa Aviation Logistics Commander
The Marine Corps has relieved Lieutenant Colonel Calischaran G. James of command of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, citing a “loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command,” officials said Wednesday.
The decision was made by Major General Marcus Annibale, commander of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. An investigation into the matter is underway, though details have not been disclosed.
Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Iden has assumed interim command of the unit, which provides parts and maintenance support to Marine aviation squadrons on Okinawa. The dismissal follows a similar shake-up last month in Hawaii, where the commander, executive officer, and senior enlisted leader of an Osprey squadron were removed for failing to meet safety and readiness standards.
James, a native of Dominica and a Marine since 1998, took command of the Okinawa logistics squadron in May 2024. His prior roles include assignments at the Pentagon and within the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing’s Aviation Logistics Department.
US Expands Arctic Icebreaker Fleet Amid Rising Chinese and Russian Activity
The Trump administration is expanding the US icebreaking fleet to strengthen its presence in the Arctic as China and Russia increase their operations in the resource-rich region, according to a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report.
The plan prioritizes domestic shipbuilding, workforce development, and new investments in Arctic security. DHS Undersecretary Robert Law said the Arctic’s growing strategic value demands greater US leadership as rival nations boost their “capabilities” there.
The report, titled The Icebreaker Collaboration Effort US National Workforce Development Plan, warns that an “unprecedented number” of Chinese vessels have operated near US Arctic waters this year, prompting a stronger Coast Guard response. It also cautions that China’s expanding icebreaker fleet could challenge US maritime sovereignty.
The Coast Guard recently commissioned the USCG Cutter Storis, its first new polar icebreaker in over 25 years, and called for more modern vessels and skilled workers to fill shipbuilding gaps.
Coast Guard shows off new ice breaker upgrades#coastguard #icebreaker #arctic pic.twitter.com/Qw7fehIdsB
— Military Times (@MilitaryTimes) November 24, 2025
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a trilateral “ICE Pact” with Canada and Finland to expand shipbuilding and Arctic defense cooperation. She said the agreement represents “a major milestone in securing the Arctic against our adversaries” and reflects what she called a renewed US commitment to “assert Arctic dominance.”
Russian Strikes Devastate Ukraine’s Gas Facilities, Forcing $2 Billion in Emergency Imports
Massive Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure have crippled domestic production, forcing the country to import an extra 4.4 billion cubic meters of gas this winter at an estimated cost of $2 billion, officials said.
The most recent strike on October 30 destroyed a key Naftogaz facility in central Ukraine, leaving tanks and pipelines in ruins and wiping out months of production capacity.
Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi said the company has secured 70 percent of the financing through European loans and is seeking US government funding to cover the rest. The attacks, which followed another major bombardment in March, have created an acute energy shortfall as temperatures drop and Ukraine faces renewed pressure to secure heating and electricity for civilians.
Ukraine’s government continues to subsidize roughly half of household gas prices, limiting Naftogaz’s ability to recover costs. Experts warn that politically sensitive reforms to reduce subsidies are needed to stabilize the energy sector.
🤬 Russia has directed more than 150 missiles and more than 2,000 drones at the Ukrainian energy system in October and early November.
💡 Generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure under attack. pic.twitter.com/hjInWDMWUn
— The Ukrainian Review (@UkrReview) November 14, 2025
Despite ongoing repairs, officials say Russian strikes on gas facilities—targeting nonmilitary infrastructure—are aimed at breaking public morale by leaving Ukrainians without heat and power.
UK Government Set to Unveil Tax-Hike Budget as Labour Struggles With Economic Slump
Britain’s Labour government will unveil a high-stakes budget Wednesday aimed at stabilizing the economy and regaining voter confidence amid weak growth and rising fiscal pressures.
UK’s Treasury Chief Rachel Reeves, delivering her second budget since Labour’s 2024 election victory, is expected to announce new tax-raising measures to fill a multibillion-pound shortfall while promising to “drive growth” and protect public services.
Reeves faces mounting challenges as sluggish economic performance, persistent inflation, and the lingering costs of the pandemic, Brexit, and global conflicts strain the UKs finances. Economists estimate she must find 20–30 billion pounds ($26–39 billion) in new revenue. Likely measures include freezing tax thresholds to pull more earners into higher brackets, introducing a mansion tax, and revising capital gains and pension rules.
The 12 taxes expected to rise in Rachel Reeves’s Budget include:
🏡 Property
💸 Incomes
🥤 Milkshakes
💰 Pensions
💷 Cash Isas
🎰 Gambling
See the full breakdown ⬇️https://t.co/3VYYAZq3vS pic.twitter.com/WJepfSLMbi
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) November 26, 2025
The budget comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government faces falling approval ratings and growing unrest within the Labour Party.
Analysts warn that a poorly received budget could deepen doubts about the administration’s economic competence and fuel speculation about a potential leadership challenge.
Israel Identifies Returned Hostage Remains as Dror Or
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that remains returned from Gaza have been identified as those of Dror Or, leaving two hostages’ bodies still in the enclave as the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire nears completion.
Or and his wife were killed during Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Kibbutz Beeri, while their two children survived after being evacuated and later freed in a hostage exchange.
#BREAKING: After 782 days, the body of Israeli hostage Dror Or has been returned to Israel for burial.
Dror (48) and his wife, Yonat, were murdered in Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023, and Dror’s body was taken hostage to Gaza. Two of their children, Noam (17) and Alma (13),… pic.twitter.com/10E3H7ToBb
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) November 26, 2025
Talks in Cairo between Turkish, Qatari, and Egyptian officials focused on launching the ceasefire’s second phase, which includes forming an international governing body for Gaza and deploying a UN-mandated stabilization force to disarm Hamas and oversee reconstruction.
Indonesia has confirmed it is preparing 20,000 troops for the mission, with units in training and awaiting presidential approval.
The ongoing truce has halted large-scale fighting but left Gaza in crisis, with most residents displaced and reliant on humanitarian aid. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports more than 69,000 Palestinians killed since the war began, while Israel says nearly all hostages or their remains have now been recovered under the ceasefire terms.
Kashmiri Shopkeeper Dies After Setting Himself on Fire Amid Crackdown Over New Delhi Blast
A Kashmiri shopkeeper, Bilal Ahmed Wani, died after setting himself on fire following the detention of his son in connection with the November 10 New Delhi blast that killed at least 10 people.
Wani, 55, was briefly detained and released before his self-immolation, which relatives said was driven by stress and humiliation from the police investigation. Authorities confirmed his death as “self-inflicted burn injuries.” His son remains in custody, accused of aiding a suspected suicide bomber linked to the attack.
The explosion near the Red Fort led to a sweeping security crackdown in Indian-controlled Kashmir, with raids, mass detentions, and heightened surveillance of professionals, particularly doctors. Police allege the blast was orchestrated by a network involving educated Kashmiris, including medical professionals, under foreign influence.
#WATCH | Delhi | CCTV footage of the car blast near the Red Fort that claimed the lives of 8 people and injured many others.
Source: Delhi Police Sources pic.twitter.com/QeX0XK411G
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2025
Wani’s death has underscored growing anger in the region, where residents say security operations have intensified since India revoked Kashmir’s special status in 2019.
Analysts warn that the heavy-handed approach risks deepening resentment and fueling renewed militancy amid widespread political disenfranchisement and fear.
Taiwan Unveils $40 Billion Defense Plan to Counter Growing Chinese Threat
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced Wednesday a special $40 billion defense budget over eight years to boost the island’s military capabilities amid escalating pressure from China.
The plan, running from 2026 to 2033, includes developing the “Taiwan Dome,” a high-level air defense and interception system, and purchasing precision-strike missiles through joint US-Taiwan projects.
Lai said the move underscores Taiwan’s responsibility to strengthen self-defense as part of the “first island chain” facing China’s growing military and disinformation activities. The special budget follows Lai’s pledge to raise overall defense spending to five percent of GDP, though US President Donald Trump has urged Taipei to increase it further to ten percent.
Taiwan’s president to propose $40 billion in extra defence spending as the democratic island seeks to deter a potential Chinese invasionhttps://t.co/lLw5A1T4Ky pic.twitter.com/HmNP7HkALq
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 26, 2025
Defense Minister Wellington Koo said the funds would support US arms purchases and joint system development.
Lai also vowed to counter Beijing’s “psychological warfare” and disinformation campaigns while urging China to act responsibly toward regional peace amid rising tensions with Japan over Taiwan security.
Sources: News Agencies
Morning Brief: Trump Delays Meeting Until Peace Deal Nears, US Expands Arctic Icebreaker Fleet, Taiwan Unveils $40 Billion Defense Plan
Trump delays Ukraine talks, Marines oust commander, Russia hits energy grid. Here’s your Wednesday morning rundown, November 26, 2025.
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