Displaying items by tag: Pete Hegseth

US secretary of state Pete Hegseth has defended Donald Trump’s push for peace talks on Russia’s war in Ukraine, insisting it was not a betrayal of Kyiv. Speaking before a NATO meeting in Brussels, Hegseth emphasised the need for a negotiated peace but called Ukraine’s demands - restoring pre-2014 borders and NATO membership - ‘unrealistic’. Trump later confirmed he had spoken with Vladimir Putin, agreeing to initiate negotiations without prioritising territorial concerns or Ukraine’s NATO bid. European leaders voiced concern, fearing premature concessions could embolden Russia. Hegseth asked NATO allies to ramp up defence spending to 5%, a target the US itself does not reach. Volodymyr Zelensky, after speaking with Trump, reiterated his commitment to securing peace while ensuring Ukraine’s security. Questions remain over whether Moscow will accept a deal that meets Kyiv’s conditions. Trump’s advisers are set to meet Zelensky at the Munich security conference to discuss next steps.