‘End the war or face costs’: Hegseth threatens Putin with tariffs over Ukraine conflict

US ready to ‘impose costs’ on Russia if war in Ukraine drags on, says Hegseth

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned that Washington and its allies are ready to increase pressure on Russia if the war in Ukraine continues.

Speaking at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, co-hosted by the United Kingdom and Germany at NATO headquarters, Hegseth reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Kyiv and holding Moscow accountable for its actions.

“President Trump knows how to forge peace, to create opportunities in situations, in scenarios where peace seems far off… This is not a war that started on President Trump’s watch, but it will end on his watch,” Hegseth said.

“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,” Reuters quoted Hegseth as saying, adding that allied nations would act to “impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression.”

The United States has also issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to end the war in Ukraine and engage in peace talks.

“It’s time to end the war and come to the peace table — or the U.S. War Department stands ready to do our part in ways that only the United States can do,” U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, signaling Washington’s readiness to escalate measures if the conflict continues.

The US has issued an ultimatum to Putin: "It’s time to end the war and come to the peace table — or the U.S. War Department stands ready to do our part in ways that only the United States can do," said US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. pic.twitter.com/FqAZwtOxEo

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 15, 2025

Hegseth did not specify what measures might be taken, but his remarks come as the administration of President Donald Trump reviews a request from Ukraine for long-range Tomahawk missiles.

The comments underscore Washington’s ongoing efforts to coordinate with NATO allies in response to Russia’s invasion and to maintain pressure on Moscow through military and diplomatic means.