**Trump-Putin call ‘not a betrayal’ of Ukraine, insists US’s Hegseth as he heads for Nato showdown **
US Defence Secretary Meets NATO Counterparts Amid Trump’s Ukraine Peace Push
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met with NATO defence ministers in Brussels today, following former President Donald Trump’s statement that he is prepared to negotiate a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
Speaking to reporters before the meeting, Hegseth described Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as a "factory reset for NATO"—a wake-up call that reinforced the alliance's need to be "robust, strong, and real."
“This is why President Trump has called for increased defence spending across the board,” Hegseth said. “European nations must recognize the urgency of this threat. Russian aggression is a serious challenge to the continent, and we cannot afford complacency.”
He emphasized that standing up to Russia is primarily "an important European responsibility."
Hegseth also praised Trump as "the best negotiator on the planet" for his efforts to bring both sides to the table in pursuit of peace. However, reporters pressed him on concerns that such a rapid push for negotiations could be seen as a betrayal of Ukraine.
“That is your language, not mine. Certainly not a betrayal,” Hegseth insisted. “There is no betrayal—only recognition that the entire world, including the US, is invested in achieving a negotiated peace.”
Ukrainian Response
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov took a measured approach in his remarks, focusing on ongoing security assistance.
“Our priority is security assistance. We see that all our allies continue to support us, including the US,” Umerov said. “This process is ongoing. At this stage, our message is clear: we are strong, we are capable, and we will deliver.”
He also expressed gratitude to all nations contributing to Ukraine’s defence: “We are thankful for their security assistance and leadership.”
NATO Secretary-General and Ukraine's Future
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Umerov later addressed the meeting, reiterating the alliance’s commitment to Ukraine’s security.
Meanwhile, former MI6 chief Alex Younger told BBC Radio 4 that global geopolitics have shifted from a world of rules and institutions to one dominated by "strongmen and deals." He warned that Western nations must adjust to this reality.
“There have been significant concessions made without much being demanded in return,” Younger said. “But the crucial issue is not territory—it’s sovereignty. Russia wants Ukraine to be a non-country. If Donald Trump concedes that, we’ve lost.”
As discussions in Brussels continue, all eyes remain on how NATO, the US, and Ukraine navigate the delicate balance between military support and diplomatic negotiations.
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