US secretary of war warns Russia of consequences over war in Ukraine at Ramstein meeting
Photo: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (Getty Images)
Russia will face major problems if it does not end the war in Ukraine. The US and NATO countries will take all appropriate measures to punish the Kremlin for its aggression, said US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the opening of the new Ramstein meeting.
According to Hegseth, European leaders are sending a clear signal to Russia that the Kremlin must stop the war in Ukraine. Otherwise, the Kremlin will face serious consequences.
"If this war does not end, if there is no path to peace in the short term, then the United States, along with our allies, will take the steps necessary to impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression," US Secretary of War said.
He added that the Pentagon and the United States are ready to contribute to creating problems for Russia if it refuses to end the war. New Russian aggression can be deterred when there is a "lethal NATO" in Europe and when Ukraine retains a "combat-credible" army.
"If we must take this step, the US War Department stands ready to do our part in ways that only the United States can do...Under President Trump's steadfast leadership, and in particular with our European allies, we're going to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. The war must end," Hegseth said.
The US Secretary of War added that the United States is urging NATO partners to finally move from words to action. Alliance countries need to increase arms purchases for Ukraine through the PURL support program. This will help maintain Ukraine's ability to resist the Russian army.
New Ramstein meeting: what is known
NATO announced a new meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on October 2. It was held on October 15 in Brussels. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the priority topic will be strengthening Ukraine’s air defense.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker made an interesting statement, saying that new announcements on arms deliveries to Ukraine through the NATO PURL program are expected this week, though he did not provide details.
During the October 15 meeting, Germany officially announced it will provide Ukraine with new military aid worth over €2 billion, aimed at boosting Ukrainian air defense.
Even before the meeting began, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken confirmed that Ukraine will receive all promised F-16 fighter jets. They will be delivered in stages after completing a series of procedures.
