Pentagon chief says Ukraine's border issue is "part of the discussion"

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that Ukraine border issue is "part of the discussion", SkyNews reports.

He said what Ukraine's borders will ultimately look like " remains to be seen and is part of the discussion".

Answering questions alongside his Polish counterpart, Hegseth said his job is to " introduce realism to the conversation".

"The reality is that 2014 borders as part of a negotiated settlement is unlikely. The reality of US troops in Ukraine is unlikely. The reality of Ukraine membership in NATO as part of a negotiated settlement (is) unlikely," he said.

Hegseth was also asked whether russia would be allowed to hold Ukrainian territory it seized by force, and whether this would embolden vladimir putin in the future. He replied that if NATO increased its investments and capabilities, this would not happen.

The 61st Munich Security Conference began in Germany on February 14, 2025, and 60 leaders of states and governments are arriving. This year, the main topic of the meeting is russia's war against Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will lead the Ukrainian delegation at this event and will meet for the first time with top officials of the new Donald Trump administration