In his first trip abroad, the new U.S. defense secretary told allies, including NATO officials, that a durable peace could only come “with a realistic assessment of the battlefield.”

The defense secretary's remarks further demonstrated the Trump administration's belief that Ukraine will have to cede territory to negotiate an end to the war.

Pete Hegseth also says the US does not see Ukraine's NATO membership as part of a negotiated settlement of its war with Russia

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday said any peace deal to end the fighting in Ukraine must be enduring and that Kyiv should be closely involved in the negotiations with Russia, as America’s allies adjusted to the stunning news that President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had held a long one-on-one talk this week about a possible ceasefire deal.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says NATO membership for Ukraine is unrealistic and in sweeping remarks suggested Kyiv should abandon hopes of winning all its territory back from Russia