During a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made significant statements regarding Ukraine's future relationship with NATO and the ongoing conflict in the region.
Hegseth emphasized that it is unrealistic to expect Ukraine to return to its pre-2014 borders, particularly in light of the annexation of Crimea. He stated that pursuing this goal would only prolong the conflict and lead to further suffering.
Furthermore, Hegseth categorically ruled out the deployment of US troops to Ukraine as part of any security agreement. He stressed that NATO membership for Ukraine is not a feasible outcome and that security guarantees should be provided through other means, with the involvement of European and non-European troops.
Any potential peacekeeping missions in Ukraine should not fall under NATO jurisdiction and must have robust international oversight, according to Hegseth's remarks.
In addition to addressing the situation in Ukraine, Hegseth echoed President Trump's call for NATO allies to increase their defense spending to 5% of their GDP, a significant jump from the current 2% target. He emphasized that higher defense spending is crucial for ensuring security and stability in the region.
Overall, Hegseth's statements underscore the US position on Ukraine's NATO membership and the need for a comprehensive approach to security in the region.
