Pentagon chief doubts Ukraine can return to pre-2014 borders
Photo: Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth (Getty Images)
New Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has commented on Ukraine’s return to its pre-2014 borders, calling it unrealistic, according to Sky News.
The Pentagon chief stated that "the bloodshed must stop," emphasizing that US President Donald Trump wants to end Russia’s war against Ukraine through diplomatic means.
At the same time, Hegseth said that Ukraine’s return to the 2014 borders is unrealistic.
"The US does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement," the US Defense Secretary added.
He also stated that under any security guarantees, "there will not be US troops deployed to Ukraine".
Returning the territories of Ukraine
Previously, Ukrainian officials have emphasized that victory would mean the full restoration of the country’s territorial integrity and a return to its 1991 borders.
However, in late 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine currently lacks the military capability to reclaim Donbas and Crimea by force. According to him, Ukraine is seeking diplomatic solutions.
Recently, Zelenskyy also said he would propose a territorial exchange with Russia, offering part of the Kursk region controlled by Ukrainian forces in return for Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia.
