PREVIEW

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addresses the media prior to the NATO defense ministers meeting at the alliance headquarters in Brussels. The meeting occurs as the US signals a strategic pivot, urging European allies to assume greater responsibility for regional security. Hegseth emphasized that NATO membership for Ukraine is unrealistic and called for Europe to lead in its own defense. Rutte reiterated the necessity of involving Ukraine in any peace negotiations, underscoring the alliance's commitment to a durable and inclusive resolution.