Secretary Hegseth: US Targets Diplomatic Solutions for Lasting Peace in Ukraine

He said European allies must take the main responsibility for protecting Europe.

On the first international tour, Secretary Hegseth urged reactions in Europe after the statement made Wednesday that Ukraine's return to the pre- 2014 borders was unrealistic and that President Trump's administration does not see Kiev's NATO membership as part of the solution to the war caused by Russia's 2022 attack.

Secretary Hegseth said during conference that United States targets “a diplomatic, peaceful end of the war in Ukraine in a form that creates lasting peace”.

According to critics, US Secretary Hegseth's comments are seen as giving up the advantage they enjoy in reporting with Russia before the start of negotiations, naming it a major victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Secretary Hegseth defended his comments Thursday as recognition of reality on the battlefield and left the door open for American maneuvers during negotiations that may seem like concessions, including on issues such as US supplies to Ukraine and the number of deployed forces in Europe.

“He told reporters, adding he would not precede President Trump's announcements.

President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodyyr Zelensky on Wednesday and instructed American officials to start talks to end the war of nearly three years.

President Trump's approach, coupled with what is being seen as concessions in relation to Ukraine's main demands, has sparked concerns for both Kiev and European allies in NATO. The latter said that they fear that the White House could reach an agreement without them.

“We, as a sovereign country, simply will not accept any agreement that will be made without us”Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.

European officials took an extremely strong public stand on preliminary proposals for peace to Mr. Trump, saying any agreement would be impossible to implement if they and Ukrainians did not get involved in negotiations.

“Any quick solution is an unfair” agreement, said EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas. It also sharply criticised concessions offered in advance.

Secretary - General NATO, Mark Rutte, said it is important that Russian President Vladimir Putin realizes that the West is “united” as talks begin to end the war with Ukraine.

Of course, I don't know what President Putin is thinking exactly, Said Rutte. He's a strong negotiator, he's very unpredictable, but finally if we want a peaceful deal, then we need him there”.

He added that Ukraine would be involved in any form in a peace agreement.

Secretary Rutte also said the leaders had never promised Ukraine that it would become a NATO member if a peace agreement with Russia is reached.

We have to make sure Vladimir Putin never tries to attack Ukraine again, that is essential... but Ukraine has never been promised that part of the peaceful agreement will be part of NATO”, declared Secretary Rutte.

Secretary Hegseth dismissed the idea that he was undermining European and NATO security.

“NATO is a very good alliance, the most successful military alliance in history, but to confront our future partners must do much more for Europe's defence. We have to. Great NATO again”, He said.

Secretary Hegseth's statement on Thursday echoed American Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“The president's position for NATO is the same as any other president has had, and this is that many of our allies in NATO do not do enough for their security”, He declared.

According to Secretary Rubio, every other president has had the same complaint, but President Trump is serious and making it clear.

“If I were to explain the president's view of NATO, first of all, they have to do more”, He added.

In the future, according to Secretary Ruby “Discussions should be held about whether the United States should lead to the safety of the continent or help to its security”. /voa