US Secretary of Defense Hagset outlines priorities for Ukraine.

US Secretary of Defense: priority - peace in Ukraine

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hagset stated that the Trump administration's main goal is to achieve a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine in order to create a stable and lasting peace.

During a briefing after the defense ministers' meeting at NATO headquarters, Hagset emphasized the importance of significantly increasing defense spending by European allies.

'Two percent is just the beginning, but it's not enough. We need more - five percent. Real investments, real urgency,' said the Pentagon chief.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, he stressed that the Trump administration's main goal is to achieve a diplomatic and peaceful end to the war as soon as possible.

'Russia is aggressing against Ukraine. We must rely on the support of allies in providing security assistance to Ukraine,' Hagset stated.

The Secretary also dismissed accusations that negotiations imply weakening Russia, as the aggression began even before Trump's presidency.

He called on European allies to step up their involvement in assisting Ukraine and to increase their contributions to security.

'NATO must do much more to defend Europe in order to maintain its strength in the future,' Hagset concluded.