Hegseth: Ukraine Regaining Pre-2014 Borders is ‘Unrealistic Objective’

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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Ukraine’s NATO membership is unrealistic and suggested the country should prepare for a negotiated settlement with Russia, rather than aiming to restore its pre-2014 borders. Speaking at a NATO and Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, Hegseth emphasized Europe must take the lead in Ukraine’s security, proposing an international peacekeeping force without U.S. troops. His remarks align with President Trump’s push to reduce U.S. financial and military commitments to Ukraine.

Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, left, United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, second left, Britain’s Defense Secretary John Healey, center, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, fourth right, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, third right, attend a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact group at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Havana)

Hegseth’s Ukraine NATO Remarks: Quick Look

NATO Membership “Unrealistic” – Hegseth dismisses Ukraine joining NATO as a viable goal.
Pre-2014 Borders Unlikely – Urges Ukraine’s backers to abandon the idea of full territorial restoration.
European Responsibility – Calls on NATO allies to take over Ukraine’s security efforts.
Proposed Peacekeeping Force – Suggests troops from European nations, but without NATO’s Article 5 protections.
No New U.S. Weapons Announced – Ukraine aid future uncertain under Trump administration.
Trump’s Tariff Plan – Calls for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.

Deep Look: Hegseth Shifts U.S. Stance on Ukraine and NATO

A Drastic Change in Ukraine Policy

During his first official NATO visit, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made it clear:

Ukraine’s NATO aspirations are unrealistic.
The pre-2014 borders should not be the goal of Western support.
The U.S. will no longer bear the primary financial and military burden for Ukraine.

“Members of this contact group must meet the moment,” Hegseth told NATO allies in Brussels.

This marks a significant departure from past U.S. policy, which has supported Ukraine’s NATO ambitions and territorial integrity.

Trump’s Vision: Europe Takes the Lead

President Donald Trump has long criticized NATO for relying too much on U.S. military support. Hegseth’s message reinforced this stance, stating:

“The United States will no longer tolerate an imbalanced relationship which encourages dependence. Europe must take full responsibility for its own security.”

To that end, Hegseth proposed:

A peacekeeping force for Ukraine, staffed by European nations, but without NATO protection under Article 5.
Increased defense spending by European countries, calling for members to raise military budgets to 5% of GDP—far beyond the current 2% NATO target.

NATO’s Reaction: A Shift in Strategy?

UK Defense Secretary John Healey responded cautiously, stating:

“We hear you.”

NATO allies are now left to consider their next steps, as Washington’s commitment to Ukraine weakens.

The Future of U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the U.S. and allies have provided over $126 billion in military aid to Ukraine.

However, Hegseth did not announce any new U.S. weapons shipments, raising concerns that support may dwindle under the Trump administration.

“Some allies fear a hasty peace deal that may not be favorable to Ukraine.”

Ukraine’s NATO Bid: A Lost Cause?

NATO’s founding principle—an attack on one is an attack on all—has made membership a top priority for Ukraine.

However, Hegseth’s remarks indicate that:

NATO expansion may be halted under Trump.
Ukraine may need to settle for alternative security guarantees.

This poses a major diplomatic challenge for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has repeatedly pushed for NATO integration.

Can Europe Step Up? The 5% Defense Spending Debate

Since Russia’s invasion, 23 NATO members have reached or exceeded the 2% GDP defense spending goal.

However, Trump’s demand for 5% GDP spending is a massive leap:

No NATO country currently meets this target—not even Poland, which has the highest spending at 4% GDP.
Even Hegseth admitted the U.S. doesn’t meet the 5% goal, spending 3.3% of GDP on defense.

What’s Next for NATO and Ukraine?

NATO leaders will discuss new defense spending targets at their next summit in The Hague (June 24-26, 2025).

Key issues to watch:

Will NATO commit to more Ukraine aid—or scale back support?
Can European nations increase defense budgets without U.S. help?
Will Ukraine accept a peace deal that doesn’t restore pre-2014 borders?

For now, Hegseth’s statements mark a turning point, signaling a new era of U.S. foreign policy under Trump—one where Europe may be left to carry the burden of Ukraine’s security.