In recent remarks, Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, asserted that the expectation of Ukraine reverting to its pre-2014 borders is “unrealistic.” His statements came during a meeting with the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels, where he emphasized the necessity of a realistic understanding of the battlefield to achieve lasting peace.
Hegseth outlines security strategy for Ukraine
Addressing representatives from over 40 countries allied with Ukraine, Hegseth remarked, “We want, like you, a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. But we must start by recognising that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective.” He warned that pursuing such an “illusionary goal” could extend the conflict and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in March 2014, which marked the beginning of significant territorial disputes, Moscow has since backed pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, currently controlling approximately one-fifth of the country’s territory.
Future of NATO and U.S. support
Hegseth asserted that any sustainable peace agreement must incorporate “robust security guarantees” to prevent future conflicts. However, he clarified that the U.S. does not consider NATO membership for Ukraine a feasible result of ongoing negotiations. Instead, he proposed that security support should be provided by capable forces from both European and non-European nations.
He added, “If these troops are deployed as peacekeepers to Ukraine at any point, they should be deployed as part of a non-NATO mission and they should not be covered under Article 5,” referencing NATO’s mutual defense obligations.
Hegseth also placed emphasis on the need for NATO’s European members to shoulder a greater share of future assistance to Ukraine. He stated, “Safeguarding European security must be an imperative for European members of NATO,” urging them to provide significant resources to aid Kyiv’s defense efforts.
The U.S. has been a primary supplier of military aid to Ukraine, but Hegseth’s comments come amid growing criticism from former President Donald Trump regarding U.S. support levels, emphasizing a desire to conclude the conflict that intensified with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
“We will swap one territory for another,”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently indicated a willingness to negotiate peace with Russia from a “position of strength.” In an interview, he expressed readiness to consider land exchanges as part of a potential agreement. He also mentioned plans to offer U.S. companies lucrative contracts for rebuilding efforts in Ukraine.
The complexities of the ongoing conflict, coupled with varying international perspectives, raise questions about the feasibility of a diplomatic resolution that satisfies both parties involved.