The U.S. Defense Secretary reiterated that returning to the 2014 borders, sending American troops to Ukraine, and NATO membership are ‘unlikely’

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reiterated that returning to Ukraine’s 2014 borders, deploying American troops to Ukraine, and Ukraine joining NATO as part of a negotiated settlement are all “unlikely.”

Speaking at a press conference, Hegseth stated:

“The reality of returning to the 2014 borders through negotiations is unlikely. The reality of American troops in Ukraine is unlikely. The reality of Ukraine’s NATO membership as part of a negotiated settlement is unlikely.”

However, he announced that the U.S. will deploy additional troops to Poland, citing the “uncertain contours of Ukraine’s borders.”

Hegseth also acknowledged that Europe may play a role in future peace negotiations on Ukraine, suggesting that the final shape of Ukraine’s borders will be a topic for discussion among President Trump, Zelensky, Putin, and possibly European leaders.

“How these borders will ultimately look remains to be seen. I believe this will be part of the discussion between our president, Zelensky, Putin, and likely Europe, which will also be involved,” Hegseth said.

Media reports suggest that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance could announce a large-scale withdrawal of American troops from Europe during the Munich Security Conference.

However, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said he made it “very clear” to Hegseth that it is “illusory” to think this could be achieved within a year. Instead, he proposed an alternative plan to ensure there are no gaps in military capabilities.

So far, there has been no official confirmation of U.S. plans to withdraw troops from Europe.

Meanwhile, Vance has not ruled out increasing military aid to Ukraine, including sending U.S. troops, if Russia refuses to support a peace plan.