U.S. President Announces Immediate Negotiations with Russia, Shifts Stance on Ukraine War
BRUSSELS — A long-feared moment for Europeans and Ukrainians has arrived. On a freezing afternoon in Kyiv, Donald Trump’s abrupt and sweeping peace initiative caught Ukraine’s allies off guard.
The United States has signaled a major shift in its stance on Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s invasion, with Trump declaring that immediate negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin will begin. He also urged Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to abandon hopes of reclaiming all territory seized by Russia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was the first to reveal America’s new position during a NATO meeting in Brussels. He informed allies that Zelenskyy’s goal of restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders, including reclaiming Crimea and the eastern regions occupied by Russian forces, was unattainable.
“Pursuing this unrealistic objective will only extend the war and bring more suffering,” Hegseth stated. He further announced America’s decision to scale back its commitments to European security, marking a departure from its post-World War II role. European governments, he said, would now bear the primary responsibility for their own defense, as well as for Ukraine’s security.
Shortly afterward, Trump confirmed this stance in a social media post: “I had a lengthy and highly productive call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Our teams will begin negotiations immediately, starting with a call to President Zelenskyy. Millions have died in a war that never would have happened under my leadership. But since it did, it must now end. No more lives should be lost!”
European Allies React with Uncertainty
Zelenskyy attempted to remain optimistic, describing his conversation with Trump as “meaningful” in a post on X. “President Trump shared details of his discussion with Putin. No one desires peace more than Ukraine. Together with the U.S., we are outlining the next steps to halt Russian aggression and secure lasting peace. As President Trump said, let’s get it done.”
European diplomats struggled to formulate a response as they absorbed the impact of Hegseth and Trump’s statements. Relations between the new U.S. administration and the European Union are already strained, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offering no immediate comment. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas later posted on X that “Europe must play a central role in any negotiations,” emphasizing that “Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.” She called for strengthening Ukraine and providing strong security assurances.
Several European leaders were openly critical of Trump’s unilateral approach. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stressed that Ukraine must be fully involved in any peace talks. “Peace can only be achieved together—with Ukraine and with Europe,” she declared. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže echoed this sentiment, asserting that Ukraine’s agency in peace negotiations is essential.
Concerns Over NATO’s Role
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski argued that Ukraine requires additional military support before engaging in discussions with Putin. “Poland remains steadfast in advocating for enhanced military aid for Ukraine. Strengthening Ukraine’s capabilities before entering negotiations is vital for European security,” he said.
France also expressed disapproval of the U.S. position, reaffirming its commitment to Ukraine’s path toward NATO membership. Hegseth, however, ruled out NATO’s involvement in any peace deal and dismissed the possibility of U.S. troops participating in peacekeeping efforts. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot countered that “Ukraine’s pathway to NATO must remain intact. Any peace agreement must be fair and ensure long-term security, as European stability is at stake.”
U.S. Moves Forward with Negotiations
Trump announced that his team would soon begin talks with Russian negotiators. The American delegation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. “I believe this effort will lead to a successful resolution, hopefully soon!” Trump stated.
Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign relations committee, dismissed Hegseth’s statements as “illogical.” He urged the U.S. to visit Ukraine and assess the Armed Forces firsthand. “Ukraine can reclaim all of its territory, but this requires increased military aid and stronger economic sanctions against Russia,” he said.
British officials expressed alignment with the U.S. stance that Europe should take more responsibility for its security. “We understand the message,” said U.K. Defense Minister John Healey. “On stepping up for Ukraine and European security, we are already doing so—and will continue to do more.”