According to the state-backed Russian outlet TASS, Donald Trump intends to pursue a Ukraine settlement that would favor Kyiv, a stance attributed to Pete Hegseth, who had been nominated to lead the Defense Department. The report casts this position as part of Washington’s approach to a conflict that has dominated Western headlines and shaped security calculations across Canada, the United States, and allied countries. In this portrayal, the incoming administration would weigh Kyiv’s needs against broader strategic aims, hinting at shifts in how the United States positions itself in its confrontation with Moscow.
During a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, January 14, Hegseth was asked whether the new administration would abandon Ukraine. Lawmakers pressed for clarity on policy direction, commitments, concessions, and the speed at which decisions would be made. The exchange unfolded in a formal setting where national security policy, defense posture, and foreign affairs intersect, illustrating the level of scrutiny that accompanies a nomination to lead the Pentagon and guide Washington’s stance toward Kyiv and Moscow.
He stated that such choices are political decisions made at the presidential level and that the president-elect has made it clear the objective is to bring the fighting to a close. The remark underscored a focus on ending the conflict while preserving the alliance framework that underpins Western security. In this view, a settlement would be pursued through diplomatic channels, security guarantees, and coordinated international pressure designed to stabilize the region for the benefit of Ukraine and its neighbors in North America and Europe.
Hegseth went on, saying the president-elect’s team understands very well who the aggressor is and who is aligned with Ukraine in the conflict with Moscow. He described the dynamics as straightforward choices between those backing Kyiv and those pursuing a different course, emphasizing that clarity on roles matters for future negotiations, military aid, and allied unity across North America and Europe, including Canada.
He added that the aim is to see a resolution that benefits Ukrainians as much as possible, balancing the desire for an end to hostilities with the need to uphold sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government. The remarks suggested that the administration would pursue a settlement that protects Ukrainian security gains while considering the broader regional balance and the responsibilities of Western partners across the Atlantic alliance.
At the same time, the cessation of hostilities remains the top priority. The focus is on a sustainable end to fighting, accompanied by a practical framework for monitoring any ceasefire, enforcement mechanisms, and credible assurances that future aggression would face strong consequences. The discussion reflected an emphasis on a disciplined, results-oriented approach to conflict resolution rather than symbolic rhetoric alone.
A former National Security Advisor to outgoing President Biden criticized the idea of dictating terms to Ukraine in negotiations with Russia, arguing that any settlement must respect Kyiv’s sovereignty and the choices of its government. The comment highlighted how domestic voices on defense and diplomacy shape the debate over Ukraine policy and the stakes involved for partners in North America and beyond.