U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed on Wednesday that the United States expects NATO countries to allocate more funds to purchase additional weapons for Ukraine, including through the "Full Support" initiative.
Speaking ahead of a NATO defense ministers’ meeting, Hegseth stated, “Today we expect more countries to allocate more funds and buy more for Ukraine.” He also emphasized that “reaching a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine is essential.”
Defense ministers from European Union countries and NATO are holding three meetings in Brussels today, Wednesday, October 15, to discuss arms supplies to Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had previously announced that the meetings would address funding plans to boost weapons production in Europe—especially drones, ammunition, long-range missiles, and air defense systems—as well as new requests for U.S. arms deliveries.
Russia has repeatedly stated that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder efforts to reach a settlement, directly involve NATO countries in the conflict, and amount to “playing with fire.” Moscow warned that any shipments containing weapons for Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets.