Key Developments
1. Trump’s Diplomatic Gambit
President Trump revealed he held separate phone calls with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 12, agreeing to launch peace negotiations “immediately.” Trump emphasized his confidence in Putin’s desire for peace, stating, “We’re on the way to getting peace” . Plans for a face-to-face meeting in Saudi Arabia or Moscow are underway, though timing remains unclear .
Zelenskyy acknowledged Trump’s outreach, expressing gratitude for the U.S. president’s “genuine interest” in achieving peace but stressed that Ukraine’s voice must remain central to any deal .
2. Hegseth Defends U.S. Stance
Hegseth defended the administration’s approach, arguing that recognizing “stark strategic realities” does not equate to abandoning Kyiv. He dismissed Ukraine’s aspirations to regain all territory lost since 2014—including Crimea—as “unrealistic,” warning that pursuing this goal would prolong suffering . He also ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine and U.S. troop deployment as part of post-war security guarantees, urging Europe to take the lead in stabilizing the region .
3. European Backlash
European leaders pushed back strongly, insisting Ukraine’s inclusion in talks is non-negotiable. A joint statement from France, Germany, the UK, and others stressed that “Ukraine and Europe must be part of any negotiations” to ensure lasting security . German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized the U.S. for making premature concessions to Russia, calling it “regrettable” . NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed the need for an “enduring” peace deal with Kyiv’s direct involvement .
4. Strategic Shift Toward China
Hegseth framed the policy pivot as part of a broader realignment, with the U.S. prioritizing challenges from China and domestic border security. He urged European allies to shoulder more defense spending, proposing a NATO spending target of 5% of GDP—a sharp increase from the current 2% benchmark .
5. Mixed Reactions in Kyiv
While Zelenskyy publicly welcomed Trump’s engagement, analysts like Mariia Zolkina of the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation warned that Trump’s “soft rhetoric” risks emboldening Moscow. Meanwhile, reports suggest Kyiv may offer access to its mineral resources in exchange for continued U.S. military aid .
Implications and Next Steps
- NATO’s Future: Hegseth described the war as a “factory reset” for NATO, urging Europe to “own responsibility” for its security. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu questioned whether the alliance would remain dominant in 10–15 years amid U.S. retrenchment .
- Peace Talks: Trump’s team, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will meet Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference this week to outline next steps .
- Global Diplomacy: The potential Trump-Putin summit could reshape U.S.-Russia relations, though critics fear Moscow may spin it as a geopolitical victory .
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s peace push marks a dramatic departure from prior U.S. policy, prioritizing expediency over Kyiv’s territorial ambitions. While Hegseth insists the move is pragmatic, European allies and Ukrainian leaders remain wary of a deal that could leave Russia unchallenged. As negotiations unfold, the world watches to see whether Trump’s “deal-making” prowess can deliver a durable peace—or deepen divides within the Western alliance.