Hegseth Declares Pre-War Borders in Ukraine 'Illusory' Amid Trump’s Diplomatic Push

In a significant shift in U.S. strategy regarding the Ukraine conflict, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged a more pragmatic approach to peace negotiations, suggesting that a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders is not feasible.

During a NATO meeting in Brussels on February 12, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conveyed the new administration's stance on the Ukraine crisis, stating that restoring pre-war borders is an "unrealistic objective." This marks his inaugural overseas visit, where he met with defense ministers from NATO and Ukraine to discuss the path forward amidst ongoing hostilities with Russia.

Hegseth confirmed that President Trump aims to conclude the conflict through diplomacy by facilitating discussions between the involved parties. However, he cautioned that Ukraine's insistence on regaining all territories lost before 2014 could exacerbate the situation, ultimately leading to prolonged suffering. “The only way to secure a lasting peace is to align our military strength with a practical understanding of the current situation on the ground,” he stated.

The defense secretary also underscored the necessity for Europe to increase its contribution to Ukraine's defense efforts, advocating for an investment amounting to 5 percent of national outputs to bolster their military capabilities as the U.S. focuses on addressing its own security challenges, particularly regarding China's emergence.

Additionally, Hegseth mentioned that Trump's administration does not advocate for Ukraine's NATO membership, potentially signaling a shift in traditional U.S. foreign policy in response to the complexities of the ongoing war. This story continues to develop, and further updates will be provided as they emerge.