Ukraine advocates tear into Hegseth for giving Russia ‘concessions’ at start of peace talks: ‘Biggest gift’
Ukraine advocates are expressing outrage after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made controversial comments about the country’s borders with Russia. Speaking at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Belgium, Hegseth stated that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is “an unrealistic objective.” He also emphasized the need for Europe, rather than the U.S., to offer security guarantees to Ukraine after the war.
Critics of Hegseth’s remarks argue that his statements effectively relinquish leverage before the start of peace negotiations with Russia. Brett Bruen, director of Global Engagement under the Obama White House, warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could exploit Hegseth’s comments to demand even more concessions.
Hegseth further stated that NATO membership for Ukraine is not a realistic outcome and proposed that any security guarantee for Ukraine should involve European and non-European troops, deployed as peacekeepers under a non-NATO mission. He also ruled out the deployment of U.S. troops to Ukraine as part of any security guarantee.
Prominent figures such as Michael McFaul, former ambassador to Russia, and Alexander Vindman, former Europe director at the National Security Council, criticized Hegseth’s remarks as a capitulation to Putin. They argued that giving up strategic positions before negotiations even begin weakens U.S. national security interests and emboldens Russia’s aggressive actions in the region.
In response to Hegseth’s comments, Rep. Judy Chu accused the Trump administration of prioritizing Russia’s interests over those of America and its allies. The defense secretary also called on European allies to take the lead in ensuring conventional security on the continent.
Hegseth’s statements came amidst escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with President Donald Trump engaging in diplomacy with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s visit to Kyiv and upcoming meetings between Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Zelenskyy underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
As negotiations unfold, Trump has reportedly pressured Ukraine to grant access to rare Earth minerals in exchange for security aid. This move has raised concerns about the administration’s approach to international diplomacy and its potential impact on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In conclusion, Hegseth’s comments have sparked a heated debate among Ukraine advocates, policymakers, and international observers. The implications of his remarks on peace negotiations, security guarantees, and U.S. foreign policy remain to be seen as the situation in Eastern Europe continues to evolve.
