U.S. Official Contradicts Defense Secretary on Ukraine’s NATO Prospects

Reuters
Reuters

A senior U.S. official said on Thursday that Ukraine’s NATO membership and a return to its pre-2014 borders remain possible, contradicting earlier remarks from the U.S. defense secretary ahead of potential peace talks.

John Coale, President Donald Trump’s deputy Ukraine envoy, stated that nothing has been ruled out regarding Ukraine’s future in NATO and its territorial claims. His comments came a day after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Kyiv joining NATO was not a viable outcome.

The conflicting messages emerge as Trump pushes for negotiations to end the war. While Hegseth later softened his stance, saying “everything is on the table,” European officials expressed concerns over perceived U.S. concessions to Russia.

Coale noted that formal talks have not begun and that Washington is coordinating with Europe. Meanwhile, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is now involved in negotiations with Russia, signaling a shift in the U.S. diplomatic approach.

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