Brussels, Belgium — October 15, 2025

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Wednesday that the United States and its allies are prepared to “impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression” if the ongoing war in Ukraine does not end. The remarks were made during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, convened at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Hegseth emphasized that the United States is ready to take decisive action, stating, “If we must take this step, the U.S. War Department stands ready to do our part in ways that only the United States can do.”

Context: Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which escalated dramatically following Russia’s 2022 invasion, continues to destabilize Eastern Europe and poses significant challenges to international security. NATO and allied nations have provided military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine, while imposing a series of sanctions on Moscow aimed at pressuring Russian leadership to cease hostilities.

Secretary Hegseth’s statement comes amid growing concerns among NATO members about the prolonged nature of the conflict and its implications for regional security, energy markets, and global supply chains.

U.S. and NATO Preparedness

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which includes Kyiv’s key allies, has convened regularly to coordinate military aid, intelligence sharing, and strategic planning. Hegseth’s comments signal that the U.S. is prepared to take further unilateral and coordinated measures if diplomatic or military pressure fails to end the war.

Analysts suggest that potential “costs” could include enhanced defense support for Ukraine, expanded sanctions on Russian entities, and strategic military deployments in Europe. These measures aim to deter further Russian aggression while maintaining NATO’s commitment to collective defense and European security.

Implications for International Relations

Hegseth’s warning underscores the United States’ commitment to Ukraine and the importance of transatlantic coordination in confronting Russian actions. While the focus remains on deterrence, the statement also highlights the geopolitical stakes for both Moscow and Washington, as continued escalation could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global economic security.