Hegseth explains why the US is seeking to resolve the conflict in Ukraine

A peaceful resolution of the military conflict between RUSSIA and Ukraine is in the national interest of the United States , Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said at a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee. He rejected the suggestion that Washington should use "all available tools" to pressure Moscow to settle the conflict.

"The president is committed to peace in this conflict. Ultimately, peace serves our national interests. A peace agreement in Ukraine makes America strong, demonstrates that we understand the world we live in and what we need to focus on," Hegseth said. The hearing was broadcast byFORBES .

Democratic Senator Christopher Coons noted that negotiations on a settlement have been ongoing for more than one day, which means the question remains whether Russia is really interested in resolving the conflict.

According to Coons, both Democrats and Republicans agree on the need to impose additional sanctions against Russia. Among other things, he recalled the bill developed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. The document provides for 500 percent duties on imports from countries that buy from Moscow.oil , oil products, natural gas, uranium and other goods.

According to the authors of the bill, 82 senators support tightening sanctions against Russia. Moscow has repeatedly called the restrictions illegal and called for them to be lifted as part of the settlement of the conflict with Kiev.

"Mr. Secretary, do you agree that the United States should use all available tools, including additional sanctions, to force Russia to come to the negotiating table and work out a just and lasting peace that ends the war in Ukraine?" Coons asked. "Senator, all available tools? No," Hegseth replied.

A settlement in Ukraine was one of Donald Trump's campaign promises. But recently, the American president has become increasingly disillusioned with attempts at a peaceful settlement, ABC wrote. At the same time, the White House said that Trump positively assessed the progress of the conflict settlement, although he understood that "much remains to be done."

After Trump's return to the White House, the United States held a series of meetings with representatives of Russia and Ukraine. On May 16 and June 2, the first direct talks between delegations from Moscow and Kyiv since 2022 took place.

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