Hegseth praised the UK’s leadership in NATO, emphasising the increasing role of European nations in managing their own security following calls from President Donald Trump for allies to take greater responsibility.
“We are in the middle of a dynamic security environment where, [in Europe], President [Donald J.] Trump is calling on our European allies to take the lead, and you have done just that, sir,” Hegseth told Healey.
UK’s Role in Supporting Ukraine
Hegseth highlighted Healey’s leadership in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), a multinational coalition coordinating military aid to Ukraine. Healey chaired the group’s most recent meeting, where Hegseth urged European nations to take a more active role in securing the continent.
“We want to work together to achieve peace and security in Europe by working to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, building sustainable deterrence on the continent, and then increasing our allied capabilities and interoperability,” Hegseth said.
Britain’s Defence Spending Increase
Healey reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to European security, pointing to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent announcement of the largest increase in British defence spending since the Cold War.
“You challenged us to step up in Ukraine, on defence spending [and] on European security, and I say to you that we have, we are, and we will further,” he told Hegseth.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening the UK-US defence partnership, stating:
“I’m here today to strengthen that defence and security bond between our two nations. It’s needed now more than ever in this new era that we must face together.”
US Policy on Ukraine: ‘On Pause, Not Ended’
During a Q&A session, Hegseth addressed questions regarding US military aid to Ukraine, clarifying that while resupply efforts are currently paused, the administration remains committed to a negotiated path to peace.
“The president is [closely watching] precisely what the Ukrainians are saying and doing about committing to that peace process, and we’re very encouraged by the signs we’re seeing,” he said.
Hegseth also pushed back against suggestions that the US is aligning its stance on Ukraine with Russian narratives, emphasising that Trump is focused on ending the war.
“Our president is interested in peace,” Hegseth said. “And I can tell you, from being behind the scenes, that [Trump] is laser-focused on making that happen. And we’re closer today than we’ve ever been because of his leadership.”
While US arms deliveries to Ukraine remain uncertain, the UK has pledged continued support for Kyiv, positioning itself as a key NATO player in shaping Europe’s military response and deterrence strategy.
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