What’s the Harm?

As the Trump administration prepares for a full-court diplomatic press ahead of the annual Munich Security Conference, where it will present its framework for a cease-fire in Ukraine, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth spoke plainly about the White House’s outlook toward Kyiv.

Hegseth said that Ukraine’s reacquisition of the Crimean Peninsula was an “unrealistic objective,” adding that “chasing this illusory goal will only prolong the war and cause more pain and suffering.” And while Hegseth restated the Trump administration’s view that any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine must be buttressed by “robust security guarantees,” he ruled out the prospect of Ukraine’s NATO accession.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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As the Trump administration prepares for a full-court diplomatic press ahead of the annual Munich Security Conference, where it will present its framework for a cease-fire in Ukraine, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth spoke plainly about the White House’s outlook toward Kyiv.

Hegseth said that Ukraine’s reacquisition of the Crimean Peninsula was an “unrealistic objective,” adding that “chasing this illusory goal will only prolong the war and cause more pain and suffering.” And while Hegseth restated the Trump administration’s view that any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine must be buttressed by “robust security guarantees,” he ruled out the prospect of Ukraine’s NATO accession.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.