US Defense Secretary Hegseth Rejects Ukraine NATO Membership, Calls Pre-2014 Borders Unrealistic

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a significant shift in NATO's strategy regarding Ukraine, stating that the United States will no longer act as the primary security provider for the country. He emphasized that Ukraine's goal of returning to its pre-2014 borders is 'unrealistic' and that NATO membership for Ukraine is not a viable outcome. Instead, Hegseth urged European nations to take charge of Ukraine's security, suggesting that any future guarantees must be supported by capable European and non-European troops, rather than U.S. forces or NATO. He highlighted the need for Europe to step up its defense spending and contributions, citing a reorientation of U.S. priorities towards competition with China. Hegseth's comments, delivered during a meeting of Ukraine's military allies, will likely raise concerns in Kyiv, especially given President Zelensky's recent calls for stronger Western support. The U.S. will not send troops to Ukraine for peacekeeping missions, positioning European nations as the primary stakeholders in Ukraine's post-war security framework.