US Signals Shift in Ukraine Policy: NATO Bid Unlikely, Negotiated Peace Preferred

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Ukraine's NATO membership is unrealistic. He advocates for a negotiated peace settlement with Russia, backed by international but not US troops. President Trump and Putin have begun negotiation talks to end the Ukraine war. The US asks Europe to take more responsibility.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a significant change in US policy, declaring that NATO membership for Ukraine is an unrealistic goal. In a controversial statement, he suggested Kyiv should prepare for a negotiated peace deal that would reintegrate Russia-held territories with assistance from international troops, though excluding American forces.

Concurrently, President Donald Trump revealed steps towards negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a drastic departure from the previous US stance on Ukraine. Regardless, concerns have been raised over the implications of Trump and Putin's discussions, with the potential to reshape Ukraine's geopolitical landscape. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also engaged with Trump, exploring pathways to peace.

Amid this diplomatic activity, Hegseth urged European nations to shoulder more of Ukraine's defence burden. His trip to NATO highlighted the desire to avoid triggering Article 5 protections and called for a peacekeeping force, absent US involvement, to aid Ukraine. Washington's new position aligns more closely with Moscow, reflecting a potential compromise at Ukraine’s expense.