Ukraine in NATO is a “unrealistic” goal, just like a return to its borders from before 2014 – said US Secretary of Defense Pete HegeSth in Brussels. He also noted that Europe must get more involved in its own security, because it is not the main priority of the United States. Here's what the new head of the Pentagon said.
- US Secretary of Defense Pete HegeSeth presented the US position in Brussels regarding Ukraine.
- Ukraine's membership in NATO is “unrealistic”, just like its return to the borders from before 2014 – he said.
- The head of the Pentagon indicated Poland as a model when it comes to defense expenses.
- HegeSeth: American troops will not be arranged in Ukraine.
- The US is prioritized to scares before the war with China in the Pacific – he emphasized.
In the Monday meeting of the contact group for the Defense of Ukraine in Brussels The new United States Secretary of Pete HegeSth participated. The head of the Pentagon presented the approach, as he pointed out, President Donald Trump, to the issue of war in Ukraine, NATO and security. Here are the most important points of his speech.
Pete HegeSethPAP/EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET
1. The war in Ukraine must end
Hegeth clearly emphasized that “war must end” and that “stopping fighting and achieving lasting peace is the highest priority.” Speaking of the position of Donald Trump, he indicated that “he intends to end this war through diplomacy and bringing Russia and Ukraine at the table of conversations.”
2. There is no chance to return to the borders of Ukraine before 2014
– Like you, we want a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. But we have to start by recognizing that returning to the borders of Ukraine from before 2014 is an unrealistic goal – said the American secretary of defense. He added that this is a “illusory” goal, which “will only extend the war and cause more suffering.”
3. Ukraine in NATO is an unrealistic goal
HegeSeth said that “a durable peace in Ukraine must take into account solid safety guarantees” for her. However, he added that “the United States does not believe that Ukraine membership in NATO is a realistic goal of the negotiated agreement.” According to him, all security guarantees must be supported by “European and non -European troops”.
4. American troops will not be sent to Ukraine
The head of the Pentagon emphasized that if any troops go to Ukraine as peaceful forces, this should be held as part of the mission outside NATO and should not be covered by Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. “Surely, American troops will not be arranged in Ukraine as part of any security guarantee,” he said.
5. Europe should be more involved in its own safety
HegeSeth pointed out that Europe must provide Kiev with a majority of the future deadly and immortal help, and “European security protection must be an imperative for European NATO members.” He talked about the transfer of more ammunition and equipment, but also about informing citizens in each of the countries about the threat facing the Old Continent.
6. Europe must increase defense expenses
According to the new head of the Pentagon, the only way to meet threats to Europe is to increase defense expenditure. – 2 percent is not enough. President Trump calls up to 5 percent and I agree with that – he emphasized. – Increasing commitment to your own security is an advance for the future – he added. – Poland is already spending 5 percent of GDP on defense, which is a model for the continent – he emphasized.
7. US priority before the war in the Pacific
HegeSeth made it clear that America cannot focus primarily on Europe's security, because it prevents “harsh strategic realities.” – The United States is facing serious threats to our homeland. We have to, and we focus on the safety of our own borders – he noted. He also pointed out, among others For China, which “intend to threaten” Americans, and the US “priority treats scares before the war with China in the Pacific.”
8. USA involved in NATO, but will not tolerate uneven relationships
In his speech, HegeSth pointed out that in addition to engaging in urgent needs of Ukraine, Europeans should also think about long -term goals in the field of defense and deterrent. – Our transatlantic alliance survived his decades. And we fully expect that it will last over the next generations. But it won't just happen. This will require our European allies to enter and take responsibility for conventional security on the continent – he pointed out.
– The United States remain involved in the NATO alliance and defense partnership with Europe. But they will no longer tolerate uneven relationships that encourage dependencies. The priority of our relationships will be to enable Europe to take responsibility for their own security – he added.
Source of the main photo: PAP/EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET