Defense Secretary Hegseth Opening Remarks at Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting

European nations should boost their defense spending to 5 percent of their gross domestic products, and take on the "overwhelming share" of military aid to Ukraine, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told fellow defense ministers. His remarks came at his first meeting with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a regular meeting of military and diplomatic officials from nations supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. Secretary Hegseth said the U.S. needed to shift its focus to looming military threats from China in the Pacific. He also said the U.S. wanted to see a quick end to the conflict, but said Ukraine should not expect its pre-war territory to remain in tact. John Healey, the British defense minister, also spoke, thanking the U.S. for its continued support of Ukraine and recognizing the Trump administration's positions on the Russia-Ukraine War.