US Defense Secretary Emphasizes European Responsibility in Ukraine Amid Strategic Shift
In remarks that signal a notable shift in American defense priorities, newly appointed US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently conveyed to international allies that the United States is no longer primarily focused on European security. During his inaugural international trip to Brussels, Hegseth urged NATO allies to take greater responsibility in defending Ukraine, indicating that Europe must provide the majority of military aid necessary for Kyiv's defense.
Hegseth's comments came during a meeting with defense ministers, where he outlined a stark reality: the United States is adjusting its military priorities to focus on securing its homeland and countering the rising threat from China. This marks a significant change in the longstanding expectation that the US would serve as the main guarantor of security within NATO following World War II.
While addressing the Ukraine contact group and under the chairmanship of UK Defense Secretary John Healey, Hegseth acknowledged the limitations of both US and Ukrainian military ambitions. He stated that restoring Ukraine to its pre-2014 borders is unrealistic and highlighted that pursuing such goals could extend the conflict and inflict further suffering.
Hegseth articulated that, in his view, Europe must be prepared to increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP to bolster its own security apparatus. He pointed to Poland as a model for this commitment, signaling that other European nations would need to follow suit. As it stands, the UK's defense spending currently sits at 2.3% of GDP, meaning it would need to effectively double its military budget to meet Hegseth's benchmark.
Moreover, he addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the imperative of peace. Hegseth reiterated the Trump administration's position that achieving a lasting peace is a critical objective, but stressed that security guarantees from capable European and non-European forces—excluding US troops—are essential for Kyiv's future. Notably, he ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine, indicating that any future peacekeeping forces would not invoke NATO's Article 5, which obligates member states to mutual defense.
In response to Hegseth's comments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argued that effective security guarantees for Ukraine cannot be achieved without US involvement. He underscored the necessity for a substantial multinational deterrence force in Ukraine—a figure that could range between 100,000 and 150,000 personnel—far smaller than the over 600,000 Russian troops deployed in occupied territories.
As many European nations are grappling with military recruitment challenges, it remains uncertain whether a robust force can be assembled without support from the United States.
Hegseth's stance directly reflects the priorities emphasized by President Trump, who has consistently called for an increase in European defense spending and a greater commitment to national security by European allies. The US defense secretary's statements do not explicitly suggest that the US would withdraw its protections for NATO allies if attacked, yet they paint a picture of a more autonomous European defense strategy moving forward.
In summary, Hegseth's remarks mark a potentially transformative moment for transatlantic defense relations, pressing Europe to step up while the United States recalibrates its focus towards the Pacific and the dynamics of great power competition with China. The shift underscores a pressing need for Europe to enhance its strategic autonomy and military readiness as the global security landscape continues to evolve.
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