Reaching Ukraine’s Pre-2014 Borders Is an “Unrealistic Objective,” Says Pentagon

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told NATO allies on February 12 that “returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective,” as President Donald Trump focuses on efforts to end the war, Fox News reported.

“He [Trump] intends to end this war by diplomacy and bringing both Russia and Ukraine to the table. And the US Department of Defense will help achieve this goal,” Hegseth said.

“We want 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.”

According to the US Secretary of Defense, Trump’s top priority is achieving lasting peace.

“President Trump has been clear with the American people, and with many of your leaders, that stopping the fighting and reaching an enduring peace is a top priority,” Hegseth stated about Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Addressing the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Belgium, Hegseth added that the US will be primarily focusing on its own security concerns.

“Stark strategic realities prevent the US from being primarily focused on the security of Europe” because the US is focusing on “securing our own borders” and “deterring war with China in the Pacific.”

On February 11, it was reported that the US administration plans to discuss a proposal to increase European purchases of American weapons for Ukraine during the Munich Security Conference.