The Munich Security Summit witnessed a diplomatic storm as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s remarks on Ukraine sent shockwaves across European capitals.
Hegseth’s statements, which many perceived as a prelude to US concessions in a potential peace deal with Russia brokered by President Donald Trump, reports BBC.
He declared that the idea of Ukraine reclaiming Russian-occupied territories was "unrealistic" and that Kyiv’s NATO aspirations were also impractical. He further asserted that maintaining peace was Europe's responsibility, not that of American troops.
His remarks drew sharp criticism, including from members of the Republican Party, who argued that such statements weakened Ukraine’s bargaining position even before negotiations began.
Critics accused Washington of capitulating to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In an apparent attempt at damage control, Hegseth later walked back his comments, asserting that all options remained on Trump’s table and denying any intent to pre-empt concessions to Moscow.
He insisted that his remarks merely reflected geopolitical realities.
Rubio, meanwhile, arrived in Munich later than scheduled, with his diplomatic team emphasising that the US remains committed to securing lasting peace.
They underscored that European nations would play a leading role in establishing a "sustainable security framework."
A stark contrast emerged between Rubio and Hegseth’s positions on the Ukraine war. US Vice President JD Vance, also present at the summit, suggested that Washington might use military leverage to push Moscow towards a settlement—an approach directly at odds with Hegseth’s assertion that no American troops would be deployed in Ukraine.
At the White House, Trump was questioned about Hegseth’s statements and whether he had prior knowledge of them. His response was cryptic yet telling: "Generally speaking, yes. I knew. I’ll talk to Pete and find out what happened."
Munich Summit has offered the clearest indication yet of Trump’s second-term foreign policy approach, particularly regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The divide within his administration was evident, with officials struggling to present a unified stance.
Hegseth’s initial remarks, coupled with Trump’s extensive statement on his phone call with Putin, sent tremors through European capitals.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned against any hasty peace deal, warning that rushed agreements rarely yield lasting stability.
The broader question emerging from Munich is how Trump’s administration is shaping its foreign policy.
Observers noted that its approach to the Ukraine-Russia peace process appears fragmented, with conflicting statements sometimes proving explosive.
Trump’s first term was marked by dismissals and resignations among high-ranking officials who opposed his views. This time, his appointees have shown greater loyalty.
Hegseth, despite lacking experience in military or governmental leadership, was a Fox News host and former National Guard major—credentials that did not prevent his confirmation from facing Senate resistance.
His nomination narrowly passed with Vice President Vance casting the deciding vote after a 50-50 deadlock.
Trump recently deemed Ukraine’s NATO membership ambitions "unrealistic," aligning with Hegseth’s comments.
While his stance underscores a pragmatic recalibration, it has unsettled those advocating for Ukraine’s firm position in peace negotiations.
Amid this uncertainty, Trump’s reliance on the "Madman Theory" in foreign policy remains a topic of debate. The strategy—projecting unpredictability to keep allies close and adversaries off-balance—can yield strategic advantages but also risks miscalculations and diplomatic missteps.
His handling of the Gaza issue further exemplifies this unpredictability.
Trump initially suggested placing Gaza under US control and relocating its Palestinian inhabitants, only for his officials to later revise the statement, framing any displacement as "temporary."
Shortly thereafter, Trump reiterated his stance, insisting on a permanent resettlement without a right of return.
As for Marco Rubio, he envisions the State Department under his leadership as the most influential agency in shaping Trump’s foreign policy.
However, his Munich experience demonstrated that voices within the administration—particularly that of Pete Hegseth—are already eclipsing his own.
