"REPORTER: You focused on what Ukraine has to give up. What concessions will be demanded of Putin?
HEGSETH: Hmm. I would start by saying that the arguments that have been made that somehow sitting down at the table right now is making concessions to Vladimir Putin, I just reject that outright.
REPORTER: Yes, but every “peace talk” so far has been about what Ukraine has to give up – territory, NATO aspirations, sovereignty. So what exactly is Putin putting on the table?
HEGSETH: Well, I don’t think it’s fair to say that we’re just giving concessions to Putin.
REPORTER: Okay, is he pulling out the Russian troops? Paying reparations? Admitting war crimes? Or is his big “compromise” that he’s just taking less from Ukraine than he originally wanted?
HEGSETH: Look, negotiations require both sides to make sacrifices.
REPORTER: Yes, but only one side has launched a full-scale invasion. If a guy steals your house and offers to give you back half of your living room, that's not a "compromise" - that's a hostage deal.
HEGSETH: I just think it's time for diplomacy.
REPORTER: Diplomacy is great when both sides want peace. But when one side just wants a "pause" to recharge, that's not diplomacy - that's setting up for the next invasion.
HEGSETH: So you're saying no negotiations, just endless war?
REPORTER: No, I'm saying that a peace agreement where only one side makes sacrifices is not peace - that's a better saying for surrender.
[h/t Adam Z Najberg]"