Trump and Hegseth NATO's stance: Standing firm on defence costs

- Eisenhower was one of Nato’s strongest supporters. He believed in a strong relationship with Europe. However, by the end of Eisenhower’s presidency, even he was concerned that Europe was not shouldering enough of its own defence, nearly making, in Eisenhower’s words, a sucker out of Uncle Sam - stated Pete Hegseth at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

- Well, like President Eisenhower, this administration believes in alliances, deeply believes in alliances, but make no mistake, President Trump will not allow anyone to turn Uncle Sam into Uncle Sucker - added the new US Secretary of Defense.

Hegseth referred to the announced negotiations between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Hegseth also commented on his remarks from yesterday, where he stated that the return of Ukraine to pre-2014 borders is "unrealistic".

- After many investments and sacrifices first from the Ukrainians and then from the allies, it's time to realise that a negotiated peace will entail certain limitations - he said.

- It’s just a cheap political point to say, Oh, we’ve left all the negotiating cards off the table in by recognizing some realities that exist on the ground. President Zelenskyy understands the realities on the ground, president Putin understands the realities on the ground, and president Trump as a deal maker, as a negotiator, understands those dynamics as well - he emphasised.

Hegseth was also asked whether the USA will allow Ukraine into the peace negotiations. - It is not my decision. The President will lead these negotiations together with the Secretary of State, the National Security Advisor, and a number of other officials who will be involved. Ultimately, we have played our role; we have talked with the allies - admitted the new US Secretary of Defense.

- That's not ultimately my decision. President Trump -- I've got the Truths right here that he posted -- called both, in case we missed it, Vladimir Putin and President Zelenskyy - he pointed out.

He added that it definitely aligns with the reality, the moment, the need for peace, and the fact that NATO and European countries will also play their role.

-These security guarantees should not be provided through Nato membership, but must instead be backed by capable European and non-European troops - Hegseth emphasised.