Putin is preparing to declare "victory" despite the actual situation on the ground, according to Hegset.

The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is preparing to announce a "victory" in the war against Ukraine, despite the actual state of affairs.

According to RBK-Ukraine, this was stated by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset during a briefing.

"Putin is getting ready to declare 'victory' regardless of the real situation. This can be expected, no matter what the outcome is. Fortunately, the courage of the Ukrainians and their allies, who stood by them, especially at the beginning of the war, has restrained and defeated Putin from achieving his goal, which was all of Ukraine," Hegset said.

The Pentagon chief also confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will participate in negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

Possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia

Recall that yesterday, February 13, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a meeting of representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States at the Munich Security Conference, but it later turned out that Russian representatives were not granted accreditation, which means they will not attend the event.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, noted that Zelensky and Putin should hold negotiations. He also mentioned that the Kremlin's claims about the alleged illegitimacy of the Ukrainian leader will not work.

According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, before possible negotiations regarding the full-scale war, Putin will have to demonstrate that he no longer wishes to destroy Ukraine.

At the same time, Zelensky stated that it is still too early to talk about a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainians need support from the United States.