Ukraine's return to its pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic and illusory goal."

This was stated by US Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth and called for a "realistic assessment of the battlefield," the Guardian reported.

His words came during a meeting of NATO defense ministers being held in Brussels.

"We want a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. But we must start by recognising that returning Ukraine to its pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic goal. Pursuing this illusory goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering," the military minister added.

He stressed that the US would not send troops to Ukraine under any peace agreement.

"To be clear, as part of any security guarantee, no U.S. troops will be deployed to Ukraine," Hegseth said. | BGNES