Ukraine-Russia war latest: US to cut military aid to Kyiv after Putin’s forces kill three in Kharkiv strike
Pete Hegseth has said that military aid to Ukraine will be cut in the Trump administration’s upcoming defence budget in the latest sign of Washington’s waning support for Kyiv’s war effort.
Speaking at a congressional hearing on Wednesday, the US Defence Secretary said the Trump administration would push for a “negotiated peaceful settlement” to the conflict despite Russia launching some of its largest aerial attacks of the war so far in the past week.
His comments signify a dramatic shift in policy compared with the Biden administration, which consistently provided Ukraine with continued military support.
Last week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the US had diverted 20,000 anti-drone missiles meant for Ukraine to US forces in the Middle East.
“This administration takes a very different view of that conflict,” Mr Hegseth said.
“We believe that a negotiated, peaceful settlement is in the best interest of both parties and our nation’s interests, especially with all the competing interests around the globe.”
Meanwhile, at least three people were killed and 60 injured in a massive Russian drone attack on Kharkiv overnight, Ukrainian officials said on Wednesday.
