The head of the Pentagon pointed out the need for Zelensky to start negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy needs to come to the negotiating table, and Washington hopes he will do just that, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said on February 23.

"Zelensky needs to come to the [negotiating] table because economic cooperation [with the U.S.] is important for the future of his country. And we hope he will do so very soon," the defense secretary indicated to Fox News television channel.

He added that US President Donald Trump is determined for peace to come as soon as possible. For this purpose, the Ukrainian leader needs to meet face-to-face with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the rest of the negotiators. And start constructively discussing security guarantees, borders and cooperation with NATO.

As Hegseth added, the Pentagon does not need to go into a long discussion about the evolution of the conflict because the U.S. knows "who attacked who." Under the circumstances, it is more important to seek a historic peace.

"There are going to be difficulties along the way in these negotiations, and that's normal when you're seeking a historic peace. Ultimately our role is to do just that, and Donald Trump is doing that. <...> There have been bilateral talks with Russia. There has been tremendous progress. <...> The same should be constructively happening with Ukraine," the Pentagon chief said.

He also made it clear that the US military will not be sent to Ukraine under any circumstances. The Pentagon is not going to deploy its contingents in the country. Instead, it is much more important for Washington to conclude an economic partnership with Kiev.

Trump quarrels with Zelensky, Europe distances itself from the U.S. What you need to know

Earlier on February 23, White House Assistant Chief of Staff for National Security Mike Waltz said that Trump does not intend to listen to those who criticize his approach to the early settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, as those only want the military action to continue.

White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt also noted that Trump considers the option of ending the Ukrainian conflict "this week" possible.

Prior to that, on February 21, Trump said at a meeting with state governors that he had a very good conversation with Putin, and subsequent contacts with Ukraine cannot be called such. The American leader pointed out that Kiev shows toughness in words, but in reality it does not have a lot of trump cards on its hands.