The Pentagon chief on the impossibility of returning Ukrainian territories: It's not a concession to Putin, but an acknowledgment of reality.

He declared this following the NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels on February 13.

Hegset noted that the negotiations are being led by President Donald Trump, and everything discussed in his conversations with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is “on the table.”

Therefore, he stated that he does not intend to make assumptions about possible concessions but added that he is looking at a “realistic probable outcome.”

“This acknowledges the reality of hard power on the ground after many investments and sacrifices, first by Ukrainians, then by allies, and then the realization that a peace achieved through negotiations will be a certain demarcation that neither side desires,” Hegset explained his statement regarding Ukraine's inability to liberate its territories.

According to him, realism is an “important part of the conversation,” something that has been lacking in discussions “among friends.”

Additionally, the Pentagon chief noted that any future assistance to Ukraine, “whether lesser or greater,” could be discussed during negotiations.

What preceded this?

On the eve, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset stated that Ukraine should acknowledge the impossibility of returning to the 2014 borders, as this is allegedly “unrealistic.”

He also described the desire to return to the 2014 borders as “chasing this illusory goal,” which “will only prolong the war and lead to greater suffering.” At the same time, he assured that his country wants Ukraine to be sovereign and thrive.

U.S. President Donald Trump agreed that Ukraine is unlikely to return to the borders that existed prior to 2014.

Territorial concessions

According to surveys, since May 2023, the proportion of those in Ukraine willing to concede territory has gradually increased. However, despite the challenging situation on the front, as of early October, 58% of surveyed Ukrainians opposed territorial concessions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called proposals to concede territory for the sake of a potential end to the war “madness.” However, he acknowledged that Ukraine currently lacks the strength to reclaim all occupied territories through military means.