Pentagon Chief: The Principle Of Settling The War In Ukraine Will Be "peace Through Strength"

• 15.10.2025, 18:18

Pete Hegseth called on NATO countries to step up support for Ukraine.

If the war in Ukraine does not come close to ending, the United States is prepared to take steps against Russia, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said at a meeting with counterparts from NATO countries.

"If this war does not end, if there is no path to peace in the short term, the United States, along with allies, will take steps to put the costs on Russia," he said. The Pentagon is prepared to carry out the part of those steps that only the U.S. can implement. He reiterated that the principle of the settlement would be "peace through strength."

Hegseth also called on NATO countries to step up support for Ukraine, citing the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program as a key mechanism. Through it, he said, $2 billion has been allocated for Kiev since August.

On October 9, US President Donald Trump also said he may impose additional sanctions against Russia if the pace of war resolution proves insufficient. The day before, the US leader said he had a "pretty good relationship" with Vladimir Putin but did not want to end the war. "I don't know why he's continuing this war," he said.