Hegseth calls Ukraine's return to 2014 borders 'unrealistic'

During a meeting at NATO headquarters, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that it is 'unrealistic' to expect Ukraine to regain its pre-2014 borders after Russia's annexation of Crimea. He emphasized that pursuing this goal could prolong the conflict and lead to further suffering. Hegseth ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine as part of any negotiated settlement, suggesting instead that security guarantees should come from capable European and non-European troops, deployed under a non-NATO mission. He also reiterated that no U.S. troops would be sent to enforce a peace deal with Russia. Hegseth's remarks reflect a shift in the U.S. stance towards supporting negotiations that may require Ukraine to cede territory to achieve peace. His comments align with President Trump's goal of ending the conflict through diplomacy.