At the end of his visit to NATO, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the United States is aiming for a diplomatic and peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine, which would ensure a sustainable peace.
In a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Secretary Hegseth dismissed criticisms of Washington’s negotiating strategy with Russia over the war in Ukraine and warned Europe not to exploit the U.S. by holding it responsible for its own defense.
He emphasized that European allies must take primary responsibility for the defense of Europe.
Hegseth also defended his comments made a day earlier regarding Ukraine’s borders, saying that these were not concessions to Russia, but rather an acknowledgment of the reality on the ground.
The day before, Secretary Hegseth said that Ukraine’s membership in NATO is unrealistic and suggested that Kyiv should abandon hopes of reclaiming all of its territory from Russia. Instead, he recommended that Ukraine prepare for a negotiated peace agreement, the implementation of which would be supported by international forces.
Secretary Hegseth also stated that it is fair to say that future funds for Ukraine will be part of negotiations.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte declared that it is important for Russian President Vladimir Putin to understand that the West is “united” as talks begin to end the war with Ukraine, as reported by VOA.
“Of course, I don’t know exactly what President Putin is thinking,” Rutte stated. “He is a powerful negotiator, very unpredictable, but ultimately, if we want a peaceful agreement, we need him there.”
He added that Ukraine will be involved in any form of peace agreement.
Secretary Rutte also stated that leaders had never promised Ukraine that it would become a NATO member if it reached a peace agreement with Russia.
“We must ensure that Vladimir Putin never tries to attack Ukraine again, this is essential… but Ukraine has never been promised that it would be part of a peace agreement in NATO,” said Secretary Rutte.
