Hegseth Defends Trump's Ukraine Peace Talks Amid European Concerns

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has defended President Trump's decision to initiate peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine conflict, asserting that it is 'certainly not a betrayal' of Ukraine. Hegseth emphasized the global interest in achieving a negotiated peace, but acknowledged that it may not be realistic for Ukraine to reclaim all its territory or join NATO. European leaders, including defense ministers from Germany, France, and the UK, have insisted that any negotiations must include Ukraine's participation, highlighting the importance of Kyiv's voice in discussions about its future. Concerns have been raised about the implications of Trump's negotiations, with critics arguing that they could undermine Ukraine's position and play into Russia's strategy. Hegseth's comments came ahead of a NATO meeting, where the need for Europe to provide substantial support to Ukraine was also emphasized. The unfolding situation reflects a complex interplay of diplomatic negotiations and regional security concerns.