Hegseth's statement, which was made during a meeting on Ukraine at NATO headquarters, reflects this the White House's deepening frustration towards Russian President Vladimir Putin before Donald Trump's Friday meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky.
“If there is no chance for peace in the short term, the United States and its allies will take the necessary steps to impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression,” Hegseth said, without giving details.
The statement is a complete reversal from his first appearance at NATO headquarters in February, when he told allies that the U.S. they have other, more pressing interests in the world and they will probably turn their backs on Europe.
The move alarmed some European countries at the time, who feared that the new administration would withdraw troops from the continent and limit its commitment to the alliance.
Hegseth has refused to attend several recent meetings of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine, a gathering he addressed on Wednesday. At one point during the summer, he also briefly suspended American military aid to Kiev.
Cooling relations with Moscow
His tone means cleara change in the approach of the American administrationwho publicly criticized Zelensky earlier this year. In February, Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance attacked the Ukrainian leader in a heated exchange in the Oval Office.
By the time of Wednesday's NATO meeting, much of that troubled past seemed long forgotten, at least in public statements. — The United States remains aware of the fact that the most effective means of deterring Russian aggression are: first, a powerful, capable and European-led NATO, and second, combat-credible Ukrainian armed forces, Hegseth said.
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The latest cooling of relations with Moscow came after months of overtures by Trump and his advisers towards the Russian leader. In August, Trump held an in-person meeting with Putin in Alaska, surprising Kiev and many Europeans who feared the US president would listen to the Russian leader's version of the war.
While Trump portrayed the meeting as a potential breakthrough, Putin responded the most brutal drone and missile attacks on Kyiv in four years. Dozens of civilians died.
Trump, frustrated by Putin's increasing brutality and his refusal to consider any ceasefire, has held several phone calls and face-to-face meetings with Zelensky in recent months. He has pledged more U.S. support and on Sunday even suggested he might send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine so it can launch deep strikes against Russia.
During Friday's meeting, both leaders will discuss military aid and a proposed agreement under which Ukraine would share drone technology with the US.
A clear signal for Russia
Some ministers expressed relief after Hegseth's comments. — He confirmed once again that the United States is a true ally and is committed to NATO, and that is exactly what President Trump also said, said Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.
However, some European leaders remain cautiousgiven the volatility of the Trump administration's policy towards Ukraine. — I would read it as a certain change of perspective and approach, but nothing more for now, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters when asked about Hegseth's statement. — I really can't interpret what he meant.
Pete Hegseth before the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, October 15, 2025.NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP / AFP
Hegseth also praised European efforts to buy U.S. weapons for Ukraine, which he said were crucial to Kyiv's defense. — European leaders are sending a clear signal to Russia – he said. — It is time to end this tragic war, stop unnecessary bloodshed and sit down at the peace table.
A NATO representative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity about military operations, emphasized America's continued commitment to Ukraine.
In his opinion, the alliance “did not see any signs of limiting the exchange of intelligence information on the American side.” He added that the US was committed “to providing significant intelligence support for any potential security guarantees” implemented by European countries in Ukraine.
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