US Defense Secretary: Ukrainian Goals Are Unrealistic… U.S. Diplomatic Efforts Do Not Mean Abandoning Kyiv

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that Ukraine’s full territorial recovery or its accession to NATO are not realistic objectives amid the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the need to combine the strength of the alliance with a realistic assessment of the battlefield to end the war and establish lasting peace, considering a return to pre-2014 borders as an impractical goal.

The secretary added that the U.S. will discuss security guarantees for Kyiv at the upcoming NATO meeting, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to continuing negotiations aimed at halting bloodshed and achieving regional stability. He stressed the importance of investing in peace to ensure security in the region, noting that any efforts to reach a political settlement must be grounded in the realities on the ground.

Hegseth clarified that Washington’s diplomatic efforts do not equate to betraying or abandoning Ukraine but are part of supporting and strengthening its security. He noted that the U.S. has spent $300 billion in aid for Kyiv since the conflict began, underscoring his country’s dedication to ending hostilities and safeguarding the rights of the Ukrainian people through a comprehensive diplomatic solution. He further emphasized the need for a pragmatic approach to the crisis and international efforts to contain it.