US defence chief: Trump has power to stop bloodshed in Ukraine

The US administration believes that a recent phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin could contribute to a lasting peace in Ukraine.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth made this statement during a joint press briefing with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of a meeting of the alliance's defence ministers in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media outlets.

“There is one person in the world who can bring the parties in conflict together to achieve peace, and that is President Donald Trump. He demonstrated that yesterday in his conversation with Vladimir Putin and [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy. We believe this will contribute to a lasting and enduring peace on the continent, fulfilling his goal of stopping the bloodshed and securing peace, which is in the interest of both Europe and the United States,” Hegseth stated.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also responded to Trump’s conversation with Putin, stressing that Russia’s participation in negotiations is crucial for resolving the Ukraine conflict, Reuters reports.

“It is important that Europe remains united on Ukraine and ready to negotiate. It is equally important that Russia is involved in the discussions,” Baerbock said.

She further noted that the West had long needed to take steps toward initiating peace talks with Moscow.

Baerbock also acknowledged that European NATO members alone cannot fully replace the US in providing security guarantees and military aid to Ukraine.

“Europe, of course, cannot replace the US. That’s why it’s important to stress in our communications with Washington that they need us too,” Baerbock said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio.

However, she emphasized that Europe should assume a greater role in ensuring continental security within NATO.

By Tamilla Hasanova