US Defense Secretary Rejects Ukraine’s Key Demands for Peace
Brüssel, Belgium – Recently appointed US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed Ukraine’s core Forderungen for a US-mediated peace settlement with Russia.
During his inaugural meeting with the Ukraine Contact Group (UCG) in Brussels, Hegseth asserted that a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is "unrealistic." In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, sparking the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Hegseth maintained that reverting to Ukraine’s historical land boundaries is an "illusory goal." Instead, he advocated for an international peacekeeping force to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, but without the involvement of US troops or NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense clause. He also ruled out Ukraine’s NATO membership post-war.
To the assembled Allies, Hegseth conveyed US President Donald Trump’s expectation that European nations assume the bulk of financial and military responsibility for Ukraine’s protection.
US Draws Back
Hegseth’s visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels marked the first official visit by a member of the new US administration. Prior to the UCG meeting, he held talks with his British counterpart, John Healey.
Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin, established the UCG in 2022 to coordinate the procurement of weapons and ammunition for Ukraine. Over the past three years, approximately 50 countries have collectively provided Ukraine with over $126 billion (approx. €122 billion) in weapons and military assistance.
Notably, the UCG meeting this week was convened by a different country for the first time: the United Kingdom. All previous meetings of the forum had been chaired by the United States. A decision on who will lead the next meeting has yet to be made.
President Trump has vowed to expedite the resolution of the Ukraine conflict and has questioned the continuation of military aid to the country. Recently, he proposed that Ukraine compensate the US for its support by granting access to its rare earth minerals and other resources.
Implications for Ukraine
Hegseth’s заявления signal a significant shift in the US approach to the Ukraine war. The Biden administration had been more forthcoming in supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and providing military assistance.
Ukraine’s leaders have expressed disappointment over the US’s apparent retreat from its previous commitments. They have argued that a return to the pre-2014 borders is essential for the country’s sovereignty and security.
International Reactions
European allies have also expressed concerns about the implications of Hegseth’s statements. They believe that a weak peace settlement that fails to address Ukraine’s legitimate claims will embolden Russia and undermine European security.
The UCG remains a key platform for coordinating international support for Ukraine. However, the meeting in Brussels highlights the growing divisions within the Western alliance and the challenges in finding a sustainable solution to the ongoing conflict.
