US Push for Ukraine Peace ‘Not a Betrayal,’ Says Hegseth

Washington: The American push for peace in Ukraine does not mean abandoning Kyiv, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday. His comments came after President Donald Trump signaled a willingness to negotiate with Moscow.

US Commitment to Ukraine

Hegseth addressed concerns that Trump’s approach might favor Russia. He emphasized that America remains Ukraine’s strongest supporter. The U.S. has provided billions in aid, including weapons, training, and intelligence.

“No country, as President Trump has pointed out, has made a larger commitment to the Ukrainian mission than the United States,” Hegseth told reporters before a NATO meeting in Brussels. “There is no betrayal there.”

Despite this assurance, Trump’s openness to concessions with Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised questions in Kyiv. However, Hegseth clarified that a peace agreement requires compromises from both sides.

The Future of NATO and Ukraine

Hegseth, known for his skeptical stance on Ukraine’s NATO membership, reiterated that Kyiv joining the alliance is “unrealistic” in the near future. He also highlighted how the ongoing war has reshaped NATO’s priorities.

He called the conflict in Ukraine “a factory reset” for NATO, urging member states to boost defense spending. The traditional 2% GDP target, he said, is insufficient.

“Even 2% of GDP is not enough,” Hegseth stressed. “5% of defense spending is critical, a realization that there is a Russian war machine that has sought to take more and more land in Ukraine. Standing up against that is an important European responsibility.”

Global Reactions and Uncertainty

Hegseth’s remarks reflect a shift in U.S. policy under Trump, moving toward a diplomatic solution rather than a purely military one. However, many European allies worry about a softer U.S. stance toward Russia.

While negotiations may be on the horizon, Ukraine continues to fight for its sovereignty. The coming months will reveal whether diplomatic efforts can bring an end to the war—or if the battlefield remains the deciding factor.