Yesterday at 20:01
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the United States will begin taking measures against Russia if no steps are taken in the near future to end the Russian-Ukrainian war.
As reported by The Hill, Hegseth made this statement during a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels.
Hegseth warned that, in the absence of progress toward achieving peace in Ukraine, the U.S. will begin to pressure Russia.
“If there is no path to peace in the short term, then the United States, alongside our allies, will take the necessary steps to ensure that Russia faces consequences for its ongoing aggression. If we need to take that step, the U.S. Department of War is prepared to play its role — in the way only the United States can,” he said.
He also emphasized that the best means of deterring Russian aggression is “a lethal, capable NATO led by Europe,” and added that a combat-ready Ukrainian army must be able to continue its defense, “and thereby continue to deter Russian aggression along NATO’s border.”
Hegseth’s remarks came amid discussions about the possible delivery of U.S. long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, which is expected to be one of the key topics of the upcoming meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States on October 17.
According to White House sources, U.S. President Donald Trump is “optimistic” about the possibility of achieving peace in Ukraine following the successful ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and the release of hostages.
As a reminder, NATO Secretary General stated on October 15 that more than half of NATO member states have joined the U.S. weapons procurement initiative for Ukraine.
Read also: Russia could pose real threat to NATO before 2036 — ISW
