US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Wednesday that the United States and its allies will intensify pressure on Russia if it continues the war in Ukraine. He spoke at a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO headquarters, hosted by the UK and Germany.
Hegseth said the US will hold Moscow fully accountable. “If we must take this step, the US War Department stands ready to do our part in ways that only the United States can do,” he stated. Furthermore, he added that allied nations will act together to “impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression.”
He predicted the war will end under President Donald Trump’s leadership. Meanwhile, he urged European allies to assume more responsibility for defending the continent. “President Trump knows how to forge peace, to create opportunities in situations where peace seems far off… This is not a war that started on President Trump’s watch, but it will end on his watch,” Hegseth said.
Europe Must Lead Conventional Defence
Hegseth acknowledged that European nations have increased their defence contributions for Ukraine. However, he stressed that Europe must take the lead in conventional defence. “Now, of course, the United States will do its part, but Europeans must continue to take primary responsibility for the conventional defense of the continent,” he said.
He also praised NATO allies for participating in the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, launched in July. At the same time, he warned countries not to grow complacent. “All countries need to translate goals into guns, commitments into capabilities, and pledges into power. That’s all that matters. Hard power — it’s the only thing belligerents actually respect,” he added.
The PURL initiative allows the US to supply weapons while European allies cover costs. By August, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden had pledged $2.2 billion collectively.
Backing Ukraine and Military Support
Meanwhile, Washington has shifted closer to Kyiv after showing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s delays in peace efforts. Ukraine’s Defence Minister Denys Shmygal said Kyiv hopes PURL pledges will reach “12 to 20 billion dollars” next year. In addition, Kyiv seeks $60 billion in total military support for 2026.
Furthermore, Trump is considering supplying long-range Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv. The Kremlin has warned against this plan. However, Trump may allow Kyiv to strike deep inside Russia to pressure Putin toward peace.
Finally, President Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday to discuss the next steps in military and diplomatic cooperation.