Several NATO allies stressed that Ukraine and Europe must not be cut out of any peace talks, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied that the U.S. is betraying Ukraine.

WH press secretary Karoline Leavitt is scheduled to speak to reporters on camera around 1:00 pm on Wednesday, as DOGE continues its work and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says Ukraine must cede land for peace with Russia.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected criticism on Thursday of Washington's negotiating strategy with Russia on the war in Ukraine and warned Europe against treating America like a "sucker" by making it responsible for its defense.

Trump spoke on the phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the conflict, a development that caught Europe by surprise. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced, also without consulting allies,

Bream had already pressed Hegseth about a reluctance among Trump administration officials to state in no uncertain terms that Russia was the aggressor.

The call has raised concerns among some European leaders that Ukraine could effectively be sidelined in any peace negotiations.

President Trump's surprise phone call with Vladimir Putin, just hours later, only added salt to the wound. Why it matters: Europe has been bracing for this moment since the early days of Trump's 2024 campaign.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned NATO allies Thursday both to “take primary responsibility” for the defense of Europe — and that spending anything below 5% of annual gross domestic product on their militaries is “not enough.

Remarks by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are fueling concerns that the U.S. will move away from Europe and align with Moscow.

Ukraine’s President Zelensky is vowing that his war-torn nation isn’t accepting any deals made between Russia and the U.S. without his involvement. Mixed messaging from Trump, Vance, and Hegseth makes the future of Ukraine’s NATO membership uncertain.