US No Longer ‘Primarily Focused’ on Europe’s Security, Says Pete Hegseth

THE GUARDIAN: US defence secretary argues Europe should take lead in defending Ukraine and says restoring country’s pre-2014 borders is unrealistic

Donald Trump’s newly appointed defence secretary told allies on his first international trip that the US was no longer “primarily focused” on European security and that Europe would have to take the lead in defending Ukraine.

Pete Hegseth, speaking to defence ministers at a lunchtime meeting in Brussels, said Europe had to provide “the overwhelming share” of future military aid to Kyiv – and recognise that restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders was unrealistic.

The Pentagon chief said he was “here today to directly and unambiguously express that stark strategic realities prevent the United States of America from being primarily focused on the security of Europe” – though the language was notably toned down from a draft briefed in advance to the press.

That had said the US was no longer “the primary guarantor of security in Europe” and appeared to suggest a recasting of the 75-year-old Nato alliance, created after the second world war to protect western Europe from the Soviet bloc. » | Dan Sabbagh, Defence and security editor | Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Hegseth heckled and booed by military families at pro-DEI protest in Germany: Two dozen people chant ‘DEI’ at US defense secretary who has rolled back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives »

Is Poland at the Helm of European Security? | ARTE.tv Documentary

Jan 15, 2025 | On 1st January 2025, Poland took over the Council of the European Union presidency. European security is its top priority. With its aggressive war against Ukraine, Russia once again represents a threat for Poland and for Europe. The Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has made it clear that Europe shouldn't rely on its own forces and try to defend itself without America.

Is Poland at the helm of European security? | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until 30/12/2025