Secretary of Defense U.S Pete Hegseth stated that Ukraine's NATO membership is "unrealistic". Speaking before the Ukraine Contact Group Hegseth clarified that the U.S. will not prioritize European and Ukrainian security shifting its focus to protecting its own borders and countering threats from China. He emphasized that European forces should take the lead in safeguarding Ukraine after the war. Hegseth also stated that no U.S troops will be sent to Ukraine as part of any security guarantee. He also deemed the restoration of Ukraine’s borders as they were before 2014 as "an unrealistic goal".
NATO allies have made it clear that they are not prepared to admit Ukraine. Even the most committed supporters of Ukraine in NATO are willing to invite the country to join NATO only after the war is over. Hegseth said that any security guarantees for Ukraine "must be backed by capable European troops"
NATO allies have made it clear that they are not prepared to admit Ukraine. Even the most committed supporters of Ukraine in NATO are willing to invite the country to join NATO only after the war is over. Hegseth said that any security guarantees for Ukraine "must be backed by capable European troops"
