Ukraine’s government seeks to restore its borders to their pre-2014 state, but US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has described this as “unrealistic”. The country gained independence in 1991, bordering Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. Before Russia’s first invasion in 2014, Ukraine controlled Crimea, which was seized by Moscow.
Since then, Russia has expanded its territory in eastern Ukraine, including the Donbas region, and launched a full-scale invasion in 2022. Russian forces have gained control of several cities and towns in Donetsk, as well as areas in southern Ukraine, Crimea, and northern Kharkiv. The conflict has resulted in around 20% of Ukraine’s territory being under Russian control.
The US Defense Secretary’s comments highlight the challenges of regaining lost territories, particularly with Russia’s military strength. Ukrainian forces have struggled to open a route towards Crimea, and winning back the peninsula by force is considered unrealistic.
The situation remains complex, with ongoing fighting in Donetsk and other areas. Ukraine’s government continues to pursue its goal of restoring borders to their pre-invasion state, but progress appears to be limited.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/world/europe/ukraine-borders-pre-2014-map-war.html