Two of President Donald Trump’s top advisers declined to describe Russia as the aggressor in the war in Ukraine, as the administration seeks Vladimir Putin’s support for a peace deal.

Several NATO allies stressed that Ukraine and Europe must not be cut out of any peace talks, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied that the U.S. is betraying Ukraine.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected criticism on Thursday of Washington's negotiating strategy with Russia on the war in Ukraine and warned Europe against treating America like a "sucker" by making it responsible for its defense.

Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) praises President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Rep. Crane says it was important for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to “break with the traditional talking points” and call out Europe for not doing their part to support Ukraine.

Trump spoke on the phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the conflict, a development that caught Europe by surprise. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced, als

The call has raised concerns among some European leaders that Ukraine could effectively be sidelined in any peace negotiations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz both refused to call Russia the aggressor in the Ukrainian war, in separate interviews three years after Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion.

President Trump's surprise phone call with Vladimir Putin, just hours later, only added salt to the wound. Why it matters: Europe has been bracing for this moment since the early days of Trump's 2024 campaign.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned NATO allies Thursday both to “take primary responsibility” for the defense of Europe — and that spending anything below 5% of annual gross domestic product on their militaries is “not enough.

Bream had already pressed Hegseth about a reluctance among Trump administration officials to state in no uncertain terms that Russia was the aggressor.

Appearing on Fox News on Feb. 23, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to acknowledge that Russia started the war with Ukraine, telling host Shannon Bream that "it's a very complicated situation.

Remarks by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are fueling concerns that the U.S. will move away from Europe and align with Moscow.