Europe should provide vast majority of future lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine, - Hegseth
Europe should increase spending on its own defense and contribute to Ukraine's assistance.
This was stated at the Ramstein meeting by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.
"Protecting European security should be an imperative for European NATO members. As part of this, Europe should provide the vast majority of future lethal and non-lethal assistance to Ukraine," emphasized Mr. Hegseth.
He added that this means providing more ammunition and equipment, using comparative advantages, and expanding its own military production.
The Pentagon chief also believes it is important to inform the population of European countries about the threats facing Europe. In his opinion, it is necessary to "speak frankly with people about the fact that this threat can only be overcome by spending more on defense."
"Two percent (of GDP for defense spending - Ed.) is not enough. President Trump has called for five percent, and I agree with him," Hegseth said.
According to him, this will be the first contribution to ensuring "peace through strength."
Hegseth also said that "harsh strategic realities prevent the United States from focusing primarily on the security of Europe."
"The United States faces an indirect threat to our homeland. We must and do focus on securing our own borders. We also face a competitor in the form of communist China, which has the ability and intention to threaten our homeland. And our main national interests are in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States prioritizes deterring war with China in the Pacific," the Pentagon chief emphasized.
