Hoyer Statement on Secretary Hegseth's Comments on Ukraine

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today in response to the remarks made by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the 26th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting:

“Pete Hegseth’s comments earlier this week regarding the war in Ukraine severely undermine the West’s mission to thwart Vladimir Putin’s effort to reestablish the Soviet empire. Dismissing Ukraine's war aims and the possibility of its entry into NATO out of hand only provides aid and comfort to Putin and other dictators and war criminals around the world, making them believe they will not face consequences for breaking international law.

“Taking a Chamberlain-like concessionary stance toward Russia’s relentless expansionist assault will only prolong this war, undermine our effort to achieve a just peace, and weaken the security of Ukraine, Europe, America, and the free world. Instead, we need to give Ukraine everything it needs to ensure its survival and its success in dealing a definitive strategic defeat to Putin that will make him and other dictators think twice before committing war crimes.”