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Defense Secretary Hegseth defended President Trump’s diplomatic outreach to Russia on Thursday, rejecting claims that the administration was abandoning Ukraine by pursuing direct talks with Vladimir Putin.
The controversy erupted after Trump revealed his first official conversation with Putin since returning to office, announcing plans for potential peace negotiations in Saudi Arabia. This development raised concerns about Ukraine potentially being sidelined from discussions about its own future.
Addressing these worries at a NATO gathering in Brussels, Hegseth stated, “There is no betrayal there. There is a recognition that the whole world and the United States is invested and interested in peace.” He added that achieving peace would require concessions from both parties.
Hegseth says, "this war must end" but a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders is "an unrealistic objective." pic.twitter.com/oPWqmwEHuH
— D. Scott @eclipsethis2003 (@eclipsethis2003) February 12, 2025
The presidential conversation with Putin reportedly lasted almost 90 minutes, with the Kremlin noting both leaders’ agreement that collaboration should begin. Trump subsequently briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the discussion.
The diplomatic momentum continues with Vice President Vance scheduled to meet Zelenskyy at an upcoming Munich security conference. This follows Treasury Secretary Bessent’s recent visit to Kyiv, where discussions centered on exchanging security support for access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources.
European allies expressed strong reservations about the pace and nature of these developments. German Chancellor Scholz opposed any imposed settlement, while Defense Minister Pistorius criticized Washington’s apparent concessions to Moscow, stating, “In my view it would have been better to speak about a possible NATO membership for Ukraine or possible losses of territory at the negotiating table.”
Hegseth – So you’re saying no negotiations, just endless war?
Reporter – No, I’m saying a peace deal where only one side makes sacrifices isn’t peace—it’s surrender with better branding
Przerażająca jest ta rozmowapic.twitter.com/gEza1KO6I7
— Dawid Kamizela (@DawidKamizela) February 13, 2025
The U.S. administration has already outlined several positions, including viewing Ukraine’s full territorial restoration and NATO membership as unrealistic goals. Hegseth emphasized that European nations should now provide the majority of Ukraine’s aid, ruling out American troops as security guarantors.
Key European powers, including Germany, France, Poland, and Britain, released a joint statement asserting that both Ukraine and Europe must participate in any negotiations. NATO Secretary General Rutte stressed the importance of Ukraine’s involvement in discussions about its future, while British Defense Secretary Healey insisted Ukraine’s voice must be central to any talks.
China, Russia’s ally, expressed satisfaction with the improved communication between Washington and Moscow, while Rutte emphasized the necessity of establishing a lasting peace agreement, echoing earlier statements by Hegseth.
