In a significant shift from U.S. policy, President Trump announced negotiations with Russia, sidelining Ukraine's territorial ambitions and NATO membership. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared Ukraine's NATO aspirations 'unrealistic' and emphasized that European nations must lead in future military support. During a NATO meeting, Trump expressed indifference towards Ukraine gaining its pre-2014 territory, alarming European leaders who insisted on including Ukraine in any negotiations. Trump's engagement with Putin raised concerns among NATO allies about U.S. commitment to Ukraine, with many European officials reiterating that any peace settlement must involve Ukrainian input and security frameworks.