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Investing.com -- U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth made a series of statements today at a town hall in Arlington, Virginia, expressing a clear message that the war in Ukraine must end. Hegseth stated that President Trump’s intention is to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means, emphasizing the importance of a sovereign Ukraine.
Hegseth noted that returning to Ukraine’s 2014 borders is unrealistic and emphasized the necessity to prevent the war from restarting. He also clarified that Ukraine’s NATO membership is not seen as part of a peace plan by the U.S. As part of any security guarantee, Hegseth assured that there will not be U.S. troops deployed in Ukraine.
The U.S. Defense Secretary also pointed out that lower energy prices could help bring Russia to the negotiation table. He called on NATO countries to contribute more arms and increase their military production. Hegseth expressed that threats could not be faced without increased defense spending, agreeing with a minimum of 5% for military spending by NATO countries.
Hegseth also highlighted that the U.S. faces threats on its own borders and from China, with the country prioritizing the prevention of war with China. He suggested that a division of labor could be achieved together with Europe.
Hegseth called on all countries to fulfill their promises and emphasized the need for European allies to take responsibility for security on the continent as part of their transatlantic relation. He stated that the U.S. will no longer tolerate an unbalanced relationship. In conclusion, Hegseth relayed that President Trump looks forward to achieving peace through strength together.
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