The US has signaled its intention to step back from its long-held role as Europe’s principal security guarantor after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth explained that Washington no longer considers it sustainable to shoulder the bulk of Europe’s defense responsibilities, particularly with regard to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“We want, like you, a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. But we must start by recognizing that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective. Chasing this illusionary goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering,” Hegseth said.
Instead, the priority is to pursue a “durable peace” backed by robust but predominantly European security guarantees.
While stressing that a new arrangement must not replicate the failures of previous ceasefire agreements, such as the Minsk accords, Hegseth made it clear that any peacekeeping troops would deploy under a non-NATO mission. He also stated unequivocally that US forces would not be sent to Ukrainian territory.
🚨@SecDef Pete Hegseth outlined U.S. defense policy towards Ukraine:
— Ostap Yarysh (@OstapYarysh) February 12, 2025
"We want, like you, a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. But we must start by recognizing that returning to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective. Chasing this illusionary goal will only… pic.twitter.com/NZsBh3f3K7
This announcement coincides with the Trump administration’s broader approach to reducing the costs and risks associated with overseas military engagements. President Donald Trump, in an effort to lower energy prices that finance what he calls Russia’s “war machine,” is urging both domestic producers, including major oil companies like Exxon Mobil and Chevron, and international partners to expand energy output.
Supply Ukraine “as long as we have to”
A contradictory note emerged in recent statements by Trump himself, suggesting that the US will continue supplying Ukraine with military aid “as long as we have to,” provided there are guarantees regarding how the funds and weapons are used. The president’s position appears to straddle two goals: limiting the direct US military role in Europe while maintaining a measure of support for Kyiv to prevent a complete Russian victory.
“Ukraine has agreed to [US sending aid]. But we want it secured, and the money is going to be secured,” Trump said in a press conference. “Because if we didn’t do that, then Putin would say, he won. We’re the thing that’s holding it back, and frankly we’ll go as long as we have to go, because we’re not going to let the other happen.”
Trump: "Ukraine has agreed to it. [We're sending aid] but we want it secured, and the money is gonna be secured.
— 𝕸𝖆𝖙 ✙△ (@MatBabiak) February 13, 2025
Because if we didn't [send weapons] then Putin would say he won. We're the thing that's holding it back, and frankly we'll go as long as we have to go" pic.twitter.com/Zp9HdamcKe
In the UK, MP Mike Martin asks on social media whether this shift will prompt increased defense spending to compensate for the reduced US presence. Critics point to the risk of weakening NATO and ceding strategic advantage to Russia.
🚨End of an Era 🚨
— Mike Martin MP 🔸 (@ThreshedThought) February 12, 2025
“I’m …. here today to directly and unambiguously express that stark strategic realities prevent the United States from being the primary guarantor of security in Europe,”
US Secretary of Defence, 12th Feb 2025
Everyone keeps talking about what Zelenskyy has to give up for peace. Why doesn’t anyone talk about what Putin needs to give up! He invaded Ukraine.
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) February 12, 2025
Today, President Trump called our enemy, Russia, before calling our ally, Ukraine.
— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) February 12, 2025
Meanwhile, his Secretary of Defense, ruled out a future for Ukraine in NATO and a restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty over its own lands.
Let’s not mince words about what this represents: a…
The question of NATO membership for Ukraine remains contentious, as Hegseth’s remarks dismissed the likelihood of an alliance invitation as part of any settlement.
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