US War Department stands ready to impose costs on Russia—Hegseth

2025-10-16 03:25:24

(MENAFN) US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that the United States is prepared to take action to “impose costs” on Russia if the war in Ukraine continues without a path to peace.

Speaking at Ramstein military base on Wednesday before a meeting of nations coordinating military aid to Ukraine, Hegseth praised NATO members’ recent efforts to strengthen their military capabilities. He stated, “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.”

He added, “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.”

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump indicated that he could provide Ukraine with US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles if the conflict “is not going to get settled,” acknowledging that such a move would represent “a new step of aggression.” The longer-range Tomahawks are capable of striking targets up to 2,500 km (1,550 miles) away, potentially putting Russian cities, including the capital, at risk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the potential delivery of the missiles as a “new stage of escalation,” noting that it would require direct US involvement. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of intending to use Tomahawks for “new terrorist attacks” against Russia “aimed at escalating the conflict.”

Moscow has also criticized Kiev for the stalled peace negotiations, arguing that Ukraine’s reliance on Western military support has diminished its incentive to seek a settlement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday, “Russia is ready for a peaceful settlement,” but military operations continue “due to the lack of alternatives.” He added that Moscow appreciates Trump’s peace initiatives and hopes the former president can help “encourage the Ukrainian side to be more proactive and more prepared for the peace process.”

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