Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the Trump administration does not endorse NATO membership for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations amid ongoing conflict. During discussions in Brussels, Hegseth stated that achieving peace will rely on diplomatic efforts. He also commented on Ukraine's necessity for security guarantees but firmly positioned non-NATO missions for peacekeeping. Furthermore, he pointed out the importance of Europe taking greater responsibility for its defense, especially in light of historical tensions stemming from NATO's post-Cold War expansion, which has contributed to current geopolitical strains.
President Trump intends to end this war by diplomacy and bringing both Russia and Ukraine to the table, managing expectations in light of battlefield realities.
The United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement; any peacekeeping troops should be non-NATO.
Hegseth emphasized the importance of Europe shouldering its defense burdens, both in Ukraine and across the continent.
Many analysts argue that NATO's expansion strained U.S.-Russia relations and contributed to Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
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