Trump’s Defense Secretary: Ukraine Won’t Join NATO or Regain Lost Territories

In Brussels, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hage states that Ukraine should abandon territorial claims and urges Europe to assume greater responsibility for its defense.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hage met with NATO defense ministers in Brussels and stated that Ukraine’s membership in NATO and its aim to re-acquire territories lost to Russia since 2014 are not realistic goals.

In his remarks, Hage emphasized that Ukraine’s supporters should drop efforts to regain all its pre-conflict territories and that the United States does not intend to send troops to the region.

He stressed that European nations must assume most of the financial and military responsibility for Ukraine’s future defense.

Hage’s comments come amid broader diplomatic activity, including recent statements by President Donald Trump and his son, as well as reports of secret meetings between U.S. envoys and Russian officials.

These developments occur as prisoner exchange negotiations and other discussions continue to shape the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.