New Delhi, Feb. 13 -- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Wednesday (February 12) that Ukraine's bid for NATO membership was not a viable outcome in negotiations to end the war. He also suggested that Kyiv should reconsider its goal of reclaiming all Russian-occupied territories and instead focus on securing a peace settlement backed by international forces.

"The United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement," Hegseth said during a NATO meeting aimed at securing more military aid for Ukraine.

Hegseth's remarks marked a stark departure from previous US policy and aligned closely with Russia's position, which demands Ukraine renounce its NATO ambitions and withdra...