At a hearing before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on June 10, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed plans to reduce military aid to Ukraine under the new defense budget.

According to him, Ukraine has made progress in its defense efforts, but the U.S. is now considering a new strategy focused not on endless military support but on pursuing a diplomatic resolution:

"We believe that a negotiated peaceful settlement serves the interests of both sides and our own nation".

Hegseth noted that Ukraine has advanced in the use of drones, delivering successful strikes on Russian airbases, and that the U.S. is closely studying these tactics to strengthen its own defense.

Although the U.S. has already provided over $66 billion to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion, he confirmed that the new budget includes a reduction in that support. Hegseth insists the U.S. will continue to support Ukraine, but the focus is shifting — from direct funding to reinforcing America's self-defense and self-sufficiency.

He had earlier urged NATO allies to increase their own crisis-readiness and raise security spending to 5% of GDP. This aligns with Washington's broader goal of easing the American financial burden.

Members of Congress raised questions about such changes, especially in light of other major proposed expenditures, such as military parade programs and the Air Force One upgrade.

#UKRAINE

11.06.2025 07:04