WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ruled out Ukraine’s NATO membership and urged Europe to take responsibility for its security. Speaking at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, he said the US will prioritize border security and deterring China over European defense. He insisted European troops, not US forces, must secure Ukraine after the war.
Hegseth stated that Ukraine joining NATO is unrealistic in any peace deal. He emphasized that security guarantees for Ukraine must be supported by European and non-European troops. “To be clear, the US will not send troops to Ukraine,” Hegseth added.
Territorial Stance
Hegseth dismissed the idea of restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders, calling it unrealistic. His comments may alarm Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who insists Europe alone cannot provide sufficient security.
Hegseth also did not announce any new US military aid for Ukraine. “Strategic realities prevent the US from focusing primarily on European security,” he stated. His words signaled a major shift in US foreign policy compared to the Biden administration.
Allied Reactions
NATO and the EU had expected the US to reduce its role in aiding Ukraine. In response, NATO created a security mechanism to coordinate military assistance. UK Defense Secretary John Healey acknowledged concerns about Europe stepping up its role.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte agreed with Trump’s push for fairer burden-sharing. However, he stressed the need for even greater efforts to change the war’s course. Hegseth’s statements reinforced the Trump administration’s goal of making Ukraine Europe’s responsibility.
Defense Spending
Hegseth echoed Trump’s demand for NATO allies to raise defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP. He argued that current spending levels are inadequate.
He reaffirmed US commitment to NATO but warned against fostering European dependence. His remarks marked a clear shift from Biden’s policy, which emphasized strengthening transatlantic security ties.
Final Remarks
Hegseth stressed that the US remains dedicated to NATO and European security. However, he warned that Washington will not accept an unbalanced partnership. The Trump administration seeks to limit US involvement in Ukraine and focus on national priorities.
