Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslitsa told the publication about the talks. He said the US defence secretary"was very active, engaged and ready to listen". Another source at the time described the tone of Driscoll's meetings with European ambassadors and Western officials as"discouraging".

European officials reportedly asked Driscoll whether the United States believes holding Russia accountable for war crimes is an important part of a peace plan.

The FT source said that Trump's envoy did not answer the question, which was a great disappointment to those present.

Furthermore, according to the FT source, Driscoll stated:

"There are cities, disputed territories that will fall into Russian hands, it's just a matter of time. If we don't recognize it, then the decision to fight will have to be reconsidered."