In a pivotal address at NATO headquarters in Brussels, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declares that Ukraine’s accession to NATO is not a feasible outcome in the ongoing conflict with Russia. He emphasizes that the responsibility for securing a post-war Ukraine should rest primarily with European nations, not the United States.
Hegseth underscores the impracticality of Ukraine returning to its pre-2014 borders, suggesting that insisting on this point would only prolong the conflict and exacerbate human suffering. He advocates for a negotiated settlement that includes robust security guarantees for Ukraine, excluding NATO membership. He states, “The United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement.”
Reiterating the administration’s stance, Hegseth confirms that no U.S. troops will be deployed to Ukraine. He stresses that European allies must take the lead in their own security and increase their defense investments. This position marks a strategic shift, with the U.S. focusing more on homeland defense and countering threats from China, while encouraging Europe to assume greater responsibility for regional stability.
Hegseth’s remarks come ahead of a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, where allied nations are expected to discuss further support for Ukraine. His statements align with President Donald Trump’s broader policy of urging European nations to contribute more significantly to their defense and to play a leading role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
