US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a warning to Moscow on Wednesday, stating that Washington and its allies will impose costs on Russia due to the ongoing conflict unless it is brought to an end in Ukraine.
During a meeting at NATO headquarters with the defense contact group for Ukraine, which includes Kyiv’s allies, he mentioned, “If we need to take these steps, the Department of Defense is prepared to play our part in ways that only the United States can.”
Hegseth did not provide specific details. His remarks come as the Trump administration considers Ukraine’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles.
He stated, “It is time to end this devastating war and stop the unjust bloodshed, returning to the peace table.”
He added, “This war did not start during President Trump’s tenure, but it will end during his leadership.”
Hegseth urged NATO members to increase spending on American weapon purchases for Ukraine, following a report highlighting a significant decline in Western military support for Kyiv in July and August.
Earlier in the day, he told reporters at NATO headquarters, “You enjoy peace when you are strong. You will not experience it by just using strong words or wagging your fingers, but when you possess genuine, strong capabilities that adversaries respect.