U.S. Defense Secretary Suggests Ukraine May Not Regain Pre-2014 Borders

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on February 12, 2025, during a NATO meeting in Brussels that Ukraine’s aim to reclaim its pre-2014 borders is unrealistic. He emphasized that insisting on reestablishing these historical borders may only extend the conflict, and suggested that any lasting peace would likely require robust security guarantees along with a peacekeeping force—absent U.S. troops on the ground.

In his remarks, Hegseth underscored a strategic shift away from previous policies, hinting at the necessity for Ukraine to adjust its expectations and consider negotiations. The proposed approach involves leveraging international support and non-NATO peacekeeping forces, which could offer the security framework needed to stabilize the region without further exacerbating the conflict.