U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during his first international visit, told European allies that the United States is no longer “primarily focused” on European security, urging them to take the lead in supporting Ukraine.
U.S. to Reduce Role in European Security
Speaking to defense ministers in Brussels, Hegseth stated that Europe must provide the “vast majority” of future military aid to Kyiv and recognize that restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is unrealistic. This statement could be interpreted as tacit acknowledgment of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and parts of Donbas.
Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. is shifting focus due to “serious threats” at home, including border security and rising tensions with China. He urged NATO allies to spend at least 5% of their GDP on defense, praising Poland for meeting this target.
Trump Engages in Ukraine Diplomacy
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump held phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the war in Ukraine. Trump announced on social media that he and Putin agreed to begin negotiations, with plans to inform Zelensky immediately.
Zelensky later confirmed a “substantive conversation” with Trump, discussing security and economic cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine. The Kremlin reported that Putin invited Trump to Moscow, hinting at potential high-level diplomatic talks in the near future.
