Trump Administration Pushes for Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal, Rejects Return to 2014 Borders

Speaking at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Belgium on Wednesday, Hegseth outlined the Trump administration’s strategy to end the war through diplomacy, emphasizing that the U.S. must focus on its own national security priorities, including border security and tensions with China in the Pacific.

Key U.S. Positions on Ukraine

• Pre-2014 borders are "unrealistic": Hegseth stated that attempting to reclaim Crimea and Donbas would only prolong the war and cause more suffering.
• NATO membership for Ukraine is not viable: He argued that security guarantees for Ukraine must come from a non-NATO coalition, rather than placing Ukraine under Article 5 protections.
• No U.S. troops in Ukraine: Any future peacekeeping forces would be European and non-European troops, not American.
• Trump wants economic compensation for U.S. aid: The President claimed Ukraine has agreed to offer the U.S. access to $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals in return for continued support.

Trump: "Tremendous Progress" on Peace Deal

President Donald Trump, speaking on Fox News’ Special Report, said his administration has made "tremendous progress" in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

"They may make a deal. They may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday," Trump remarked, underscoring the uncertainty of Ukraine’s future sovereignty.

He also defended his administration’s push for economic benefits in exchange for U.S. aid, saying:

"I told them that I want the equivalent, like $500 billion worth of rare earth. And they've essentially agreed to do that. So at least we don't feel stupid. Otherwise, we're stupid."

Zelenskyy Pushes Back: "Security Guarantees Without America Are Not Real"

In an interview with The Guardian, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to reports that Europe might offer security guarantees without direct U.S. involvement.

"There are voices which say that Europe could offer security guarantees without the Americans, and I always say no," Zelenskyy stated.
"Security guarantees without America are not real security guarantees."

America’s Shift Away From European Security

Hegseth made it clear that the U.S. is reducing its military focus on Europe, urging European allies to “lead from the front” in Ukraine.

"The United States faces consequential threats to our homeland. We must -- and we are -- focusing on securing our own borders," Hegseth said.

He also highlighted China as a greater long-term threat, stating that Washington is prioritizing deterrence in the Pacific and making "resourcing tradeoffs" to ensure China does not expand its influence unchecked.

Europe on Its Own?

With the Trump administration signaling a reduced role in Ukraine, European allies may now bear the brunt of supporting Kyiv, both financially and militarily. The EU and NATO will have to determine whether they can fill the vacuum left by the U.S. withdrawal or pressure Ukraine into negotiations to end the war on Russian terms.

As Ukraine’s war enters its third year, Washington’s message is clear:

• The era of blank-check support is over.
• American interests come first.
• Ukraine will need to compromise.

The coming months will reveal whether Trump’s diplomatic gamble brings peace—or leaves Ukraine in an even more precarious position.