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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Wednesday (Oct 15) that the United States and its allies are prepared to take further steps against Russia if the war in Ukraine does not end.
Speaking at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Liaison Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Hegseth said, “If this war does not end, if there is no path to peace in the short term, the United States, along with our allies, will take the necessary steps to impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression. If we must take this step, the U.S. War Department stands ready to contribute in ways that only the United States can.” Is.”
NATO and Ukraine are the major deterrents
Hegseth stressed that the most effective deterrent to Russian aggression is a strong NATO and a combat-ready Ukrainian military.
“We are clear about the fact that the most effective deterrents to Russian aggression are: number one, a lethal, capable and European-led NATO, and number two, a combat-credible Ukrainian military capable of defending itself and thereby continuing to deter Russian aggression on NATO’s border,” he said.
European allies must take primary responsibility
Underscoring America’s commitment, Hegseth stressed that European allies must lead the defense of the continent. He praised his increased defense spending and contribution to Ukraine.
“Europe pays, the US provides, NATO provides the territory,” he said, describing the Priority Ukraine Needs List initiative, urging all NATO members to contribute and avoid being “free riders.”
Support for Ukraine remains a priority
Hegseth highlighted the importance of international coordination in arming Kyiv. He encouraged all allies to actively participate in providing arms and resources to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself and deter further Russian aggression.
Every country in the alliance needs to contribute to the effort to disarm Kiev, he said.
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