Pentagon Chief Warns US Will Charge Russia If Ukraine's War Ends
JAKARTA - United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned Moscow on Wednesday that Washington and its allies would "charge Russia fees for its continued aggression" if the war in Ukraine does not end.
"If we have to take this step, the US Department of War is ready to do our part in a way that the United States can only do," Defense Minister Hegseth said at a meeting of the Kyiv allied Ukrainian Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters.
The Pentagon chief gave no further explanation. His comments came as US President Donald Trump's administration was considering Ukraine's request for Tomahawk's long-range missile.
"Now is the time to end this tragic war, stop unnecessary bloodshed, and come to the negotiating table," said Defense Minister Hegseth.
"This is not a war that began under President Trump's leadership, but will end under his leadership," he added.
Defense Minister Hegseth urged NATO allies to increase spending on the purchase of US weapons on Ukraine, following reports highlighting a sharp decline in Western military support for Kyiv in July and August.
"You get peace when you are strong. Not when you use harsh words or shake your fingers, you get them when you have enemy-respected strong and real abilities," he told reporters at NATO headquarters.
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Furthermore, he also urged allies to increase investment in Ukraine's Priority Requirements List (PURL) program, which replaces US arms donations to Ukraine and now requires allies to pay for US arms shipments.
"Our hope today is that more and more countries will contribute more, buy more to help Ukraine, and bring the conflict to a peaceful settlement," said Defense Minister Hegseth.