US defence secretary signals dramatic shift in American military policy away from Europe, warning allies about ‘stark strategic realities’

US troops will not be used to secure the peace in Ukraine following any ceasefire deal with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump’s new defence secretary has declared, as he signalled a dramatic shift in American foreign and defence policy away from Europe. Pete Hegseth also said it is “unrealistic” to think Ukraine can return to its pre-2014 borders and he ruled out NATO membership as way to guarantee Kyiv’s security. This will be a huge blow for Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The interventions came at the opening of a meeting of allies in Brussels on Wednesday. Follow live: Ukraine war latest Image: Defence…