IRIA News

5 minute read

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commended the United Kingdom for its leadership in supporting Ukraine and taking a more active role in European security, as he met with UK Defense Secretary John Healey for a high-level meeting at the Pentagon on March 6, 2025.

The meeting, held between Hegseth and UK Defense Secretary John Healey, comes at a time of shifting U.S. foreign policy, with President Donald Trump urging European allies to take the lead in securing Ukraine’s future.

“We are in the middle of a dynamic security environment, where on the European continent, President Trump is calling on our European allies to take the lead, and you have done just that, sir,” Hegseth told Healey during a press briefing.

Hegseth specifically praised the UK for chairing the most recent Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, a multinational coalition dedicated to supporting Ukraine’s defense. “And that’s, again, the United Kingdom stepping up,” he added.

The meeting occurred against the backdrop of the evolving U.S. policy on Ukraine. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. has halted military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, a stark departure from previous commitments. Trump has also ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine, instead urging European nations to take responsibility for the security of their continent.

UK’s Commitment to Ukraine

In response, Healey emphasized the UK’s commitment to increased defense spending and long-term European security efforts. “You challenged us to step up on Ukraine, on defense spending, on European security. And I say to you that we have, we are, and we will further,” Healey said.

He also highlighted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent decision to significantly boost defense spending, marking the largest increase in military funding since the Cold War. This move underscores the UK’s growing role in shaping Europe’s defense strategy.

“I’m here today to strengthen that defense and security bond between our two nations. It’s needed now more than ever in this new era that we must face together,” Healey added.

Europe takes charge of Ukraine’s security.

The UK is not acting alone. Starmer recently revealed that Britain and France are working on a new security plan for Ukraine as part of a broader “coalition of the willing.” This coalition aims to provide tangible military support, with “planes in the air and boots on the ground,” to ensure Ukraine’s stability and facilitate a ceasefire.

According to a media report on March 6, diplomatic sources have indicated that France and the UK intend to finalize a peace plan for Ukraine within days and present it to the United States.

This proactive approach by European nations comes amid growing concerns over Trump’s stance on the conflict. The U.S. president has been increasingly critical of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the war. The situation reached a boiling point during a heated Oval Office exchange on February 28, when Trump and Zelenskyy clashed in front of reporters.

During the Pentagon briefing after the recent meeting, Hegseth was asked whether the U.S. had permanently ceased weapons shipments to Ukraine. He clarified that the program is currently “on pause” while Washington assesses Kyiv’s commitment to a peace process.

“The president is 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,” Hegseth said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also pushed back against suggestions that the Trump administration is aligning with Russian narratives on the war.

“Our president is interested in peace,” Hegseth stated. “And I can tell you, from being behind the scenes, that he is laser-focused on making that happen. And we’re closer today than we’ve ever been because of his leadership.”

European leaders react

Trump’s distancing from Ukraine has prompted strong reactions from European leaders. Following the February 28 clash between Trump and Zelenskyy, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas declared that “Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”

The sentiment was echoed in Brussels, where EU leaders recently met to discuss additional support for Ukraine. European officials have increasingly framed the war as a direct threat to the continent’s security, pushing for a stronger, more unified response independent of Washington’s stance.

NATO and European defense

As NATO’s European members take on greater responsibility, Hegseth acknowledged the shifting dynamics within the alliance. “European leadership of NATO, led by the UK and others, is the future of defense on the continent,” he stated.

His comments reflect a growing belief in Washington that European nations must assume greater control over their security, a position that aligns with Trump’s broader foreign policy agenda.

The meeting between Hegseth and Healey underscores a pivotal moment in transatlantic relations. As the U.S. re-evaluates its role in Ukraine’s defense, the UK and its European partners are stepping up, forging new security agreements, and increasing defense commitments.

With Britain and France working to finalize a peace plan for Ukraine, the coming days could mark a turning point in the conflict. Whether or not the U.S. ultimately supports these efforts remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Europe is no longer waiting for Washington to lead.