President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to start negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, signaling a major shift in U.S. policy.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he and Putin will “work together, very closely” to bring the war to an end. His comments came shortly after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO leaders that restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is “unrealistic” and that NATO membership for Ukraine is not a viable outcome in any negotiated settlement.
“We want, like you, a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine,” Hegseth told officials at NATO’s headquarters in Brussels. “But we must start by recognizing that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective.”
Hegseth’s remarks represent the administration’s clearest indication yet that it supports a peace deal involving Ukraine ceding some territory to Russia. The statement comes as Trump, who campaigned on ending the war, looks to reshape America’s role in global security.
A Shift in U.S. Priorities
During a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Belgium, Hegseth warned that continuing to push for Ukraine’s full territorial restoration would only prolong the war. “Chasing that illusionary goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering,” he said.
While some allies fear negotiations could embolden Putin, Hegseth argued that any peace deal must come with “robust security guarantees” to prevent future conflict. However, he made clear that these guarantees would not include deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine.
The United States has sent $65.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion three years ago. Trump has repeatedly criticized the level of U.S. spending on the war and has pushed for European nations to take on a larger share of support for Ukraine.
Hegseth reinforced this message, telling NATO leaders that “stark strategic realities prevent the United States from being the primary guarantor of security in Europe.” He added, “The United States faces consequential threats to our homeland. We must — and we are — focusing on securing our own borders.”
Energy and Diplomacy as Negotiation Tools
Trump has suggested that ramping up American energy production could serve as leverage in peace negotiations, aiming to weaken Russia’s ability to fund its war through oil and gas exports.
The administration’s diplomatic approach has already yielded results. On Tuesday, Russia released Marc Fogel, an American teacher who had been detained in Russia for more than three years. The prisoner exchange, brokered by Trump advisers including real estate developer Steve Witkoff, was described as a “good faith” gesture from Russia.
“President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the President’s advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine,” National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said in a statement.
What’s Next?
Trump’s announcement of direct negotiations with Putin raises major questions about the future of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, NATO’s role in the conflict, and the broader balance of power in Europe. While some Western allies may push back against concessions to Russia, the administration appears committed to a new strategy that prioritizes a quick resolution over long-term military engagement.
