11 Jun 2025, 23:43

Pet Hegseth Confirmed Russia's Aggression but Avoided Questions About Victory

Pet Hegseth acknowledged Russia's aggression in the conflict with Ukraine during Senate hearings.
He avoided labeling Ukraine as a victim, emphasizing the importance of a peace agreement for U.S. national interests.
The U.S. is limiting military aid to Ukraine, planning to reduce the budget for arms procurement in 2026.

This was reported by The Independent, RBC Ukraine.

Recognition of Russia's Aggression

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pet Hegseth confirmed that Russia is the aggressor in the war against Ukraine, which has been ongoing since February 2022. This acknowledgment occurred during Senate hearings where Hegseth defended the Department of Defense's budget for 2026.

Avoidance of Specific Answers

When asked by Senator Mitch McConnell who the "aggressor" and "victim" in the conflict are, Hegseth replied, "Russia is the aggressor." However, he declined to label Ukraine as a victim, stating that American interests require an end to the war, but he did not specify under what conditions this might happen.

U.S. Position on Peace

Hegseth emphasized that peace in the conflict is important for U.S. national interests, even if it may not be the desired outcome for many. He noted that "the better outcome is a peace agreement to stop the killings."

Questions About Russia's Future Actions

When asked by Senator Lindsey Graham whether Putin would stop at Ukraine, Hegseth replied, "We'll have to see." Graham pointed out that it is clear Putin has larger plans than just Ukraine.

Military Aid to Ukraine

Ukraine is currently receiving only the weapons that have been approved by the Biden administration. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is proposing new military aid, the Trump administration has not yet made new decisions regarding arms supplies.

It was previously reported that the U.S. State Department sent Congress a notification of a license for arms exports to Ukraine totaling at least $50 million.

In recent days, Hegseth also stated that the U.S. plans to reduce the budget for arms procurement for Ukraine in 2026.