U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared on Wednesday that the war between Ukraine and Russia “must end,” adding that Ukraine’s NATO membership is unrealistic and that the United States will no longer prioritize European and Ukrainian security. Instead, the Trump administration will focus on securing the U.S. border and deterring conflict with China.
Speaking before a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Hegseth emphasized that European troops—not American forces—should be the primary security force in a post-war Ukraine.
“To be clear, as part of any security guarantee, there will not be U.S. troops deployed to Ukraine,” Hegseth said.
He also dismissed the possibility of Ukraine regaining all its lost territory, stating that a return to pre-2014 borders, before Russia seized Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, “is an unrealistic objective.”
NATO Allies React To Hegseth’s Shift In Policy
Hegseth’s remarks aligned with sentiments held by some NATO allies, many of whom have long viewed Crimea’s return to Ukraine as unlikely. However, his comments about security guarantees are expected to alarm Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who insists that NATO membership is essential for Ukraine’s long-term security.
“Europe alone cannot provide meaningful security guarantees to Ukraine without American leadership,” Zelensky warned earlier this week.
A European defense official told CNN that while NATO leaders privately acknowledge the challenges of Ukraine joining the alliance, they have been reluctant to state it publicly, fearing it would give Russia the perception that it can dictate NATO policy.
Trump, Putin Restart Talks
Just hours after Hegseth’s comments, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking their first direct communication since Trump’s return to office. Trump said they agreed to work “very closely” and to start negotiations “immediately” on ending the war.
“[W]e will begin by calling President Zelensky, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
The Kremlin later revealed that Putin had invited Trump to visit Moscow, which would mark the first visit by a U.S. president since 2013.
Speaking from the Oval Office later on Wednesday, Trump signaled his agreement with Hegseth’s assessment of Ukraine’s NATO prospects.
“I don’t think it’s practical to have it,” Trump said. “Pete made a statement today saying that he thinks it’s unlikely or impractical. I think probably that’s true.”
U.K. Steps Up For Ukraine
Hegseth’s speech did not include any new U.S. military aid for Ukraine, reinforcing concerns among European allies that Washington is stepping back from its role as Kyiv’s primary backer.
“We’re also here today to directly and unambiguously express that stark strategic realities prevent the United States of America from being primarily focused on the security of Europe,” Hegseth said.
In response, U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey signaled that Britain may take on a larger role. “We hear your concerns on stepping up for Ukraine, and we hear your concerns on stepping up for European security. We are and we will.”
For the first time, the U.K. chaired Wednesday’s meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, signaling a potential shift in leadership within the alliance. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov issued a lengthy statement on his discussions with Healey, sharing a photo of the two smiling and shaking hands. In contrast, his description of his meeting with Hegseth was just one sentence long, accompanied by a photo in which they stood side by side—without shaking hands.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged continued support for Ukraine, agreeing with Trump’s call for “equalizing security assistance.” However, Rutte added, “To really change the trajectory of the conflict, we need to do even more.”
