Wed Feb 12 17:50:53 UTC 2025: ## US Shifts Stance on Ukraine: NATO Membership Unrealistic, Territorial Concessions Urged
**Brussels, Belgium** – A significant shift in US policy towards the war in Ukraine has been announced by Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, signaling a departure from the Biden administration’s approach. Hegseth declared that Ukraine’s hopes of rejoining NATO and reclaiming its pre-2014 borders are unrealistic, urging Kyiv to pursue a negotiated settlement with Russia instead.
Speaking at a NATO meeting, Hegseth emphasized the need for a “realistic assessment of the battlefield,” advocating for a potential peace agreement that may involve territorial concessions by Ukraine. He explicitly stated that Ukraine’s NATO membership is not a realistic goal, a stark contrast to the Biden administration’s position. Any future security guarantees for Ukraine, Hegseth said, would involve a non-NATO international force and explicitly exclude US troops.
This new strategy places a greater burden on European allies to provide military and financial aid to Ukraine, with Hegseth demanding a significant increase in European defense spending, aligning with President Trump’s call for 5% of GDP, a figure far exceeding current commitments.
Hegseth’s statements were met with apprehension by NATO allies, who reportedly anticipated a different message regarding continued US support for Ukraine. Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra described the announcement as a departure from expectations, suggesting a potential shift in US foreign policy priorities away from European security concerns and towards countering China’s growing influence.
The shift comes as President Trump announced his first phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin since taking office. Both leaders expressed a desire to end the conflict, raising concerns that Ukraine may be pressured into accepting unfavorable terms. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed a call with President Trump, describing it as “meaningful.” The new US strategy, however, leaves the future of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its long-term security significantly uncertain.
First Piper 