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Trump: NATO Membership for Ukraine Not “Practical”
Charlie Kirk Staff
02/12/2025
Speaking from the White House on Wednesday, President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine joining NATO is not a feasible.
When asked about the possibility of Ukraine becoming a NATO member, Trump responded, “I don’t think it’s practical to have it, personally.” His remarks contrast with the stance of the Biden administration, which had pushed for Ukraine’s inclusion in the alliance.
Trump referenced comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who also expressed skepticism about Ukraine joining NATO. “Pete made a statement today saying that he thinks it’s unlikely or impractical. I think probably that’s true,” Trump said. He added that opposition to Ukraine’s membership existed long before Russian President Vladimir Putin took action against the country. “This has been going on for many, many years. They’ve been saying that for a long time, that Ukraine cannot go into NATO, and I’m okay with that.” Trump also addressed Hegseth’s remarks about Ukraine potentially reclaiming its pre-2014 borders, calling it “unlikely.”
Hegseth had made these statements earlier on Wednesday while meeting with Ukraine’s military allies at NATO headquarters in Brussels. He emphasized that both NATO membership and a return to Ukraine’s previous borders were unrealistic goals.
“We want, like you, a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. But we must start by recognizing that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective,” Hegseth said. He further noted, “the United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement,” according to Reuters.
Trump also confirmed that he had spoken with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about ending the war. According to Trump, Zelensky expressed a desire for “peace,” while Putin agreed to begin negotiations.
