US Defense Minister: Liberation of All Russian-Occupied Areas in Ukraine 'Unrealistic'

brussels - US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth dismisses the liberation of all Russian-occupied areas in Ukraine as unrealistic, stating that Ukraine's NATO membership cannot be part of a peace plan.

US Defense Minister's Remarks on Ukraine Crisis

During the Ramstein talks at NATO headquarters, Defense Minister Pete Hegseth expressed that achieving the liberation of all Russian-occupied areas in Ukraine is unrealistic. He emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution between Russia and Ukraine to end the ongoing conflict. Hegseth highlighted the importance of providing security guarantees for long-lasting peace, suggesting that European and non-European troops should offer security assurances instead of Ukraine's NATO membership. The US government stands firm that American troops will not be deployed in Ukraine.

Formerly utilized for announcing substantial aid packages for Ukraine by the previous US administration, the Ramstein talks now focus on ceasing bloodshed and ending the war. Minister Hegseth's stance underlines the impracticality of reverting to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders, cautioning that this pursuit would prolong the conflict and cause further suffering.

Minister Ruben Brekelmans of the Netherlands is also present at the Ramstein talks, where allies discuss supporting Ukraine. The US aims for Russia and Ukraine to engage in dialogue for a peaceful resolution, stressing that the war must come to an end. In the pursuit of lasting peace, Minister Hegseth asserts the necessity of security guarantees to prevent a resurgence of conflict.