US Signals Major Reduction in Military Aid to Ukraine, Pentagon Chief Announces

Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth on June 10 assured that the US will cut military assistance to Ukraine in its forthcoming 2026 defense budget, a clear change in Washington's war strategy in Eastern Europe. Speaking before the House Appropriations Subcommittee, Hegseth emphasized that the proposed cuts reflect the administration's belief that a negotiated settlement is the optimal outcome for all and allows the US to concentrate on warfighter preparation in the homeland.

Though specific numbers have not yet been announced, this move comes after a time when the US has already provided more than $66 billion in military assistance since the beginning of Russia's all-out invasion in February 2022. Hegseth emphasized that the new budget "provides a historic level of funding for military readiness," marking a change from direct engagement to a system more dependent on NATO allies in meeting Russian aggression.

The decision comes after a record number of Russian drone and missile strikes hit Ukrainian cities, with Kyiv calling for a prompt shipment of additional air-defense systems to close off the attacks. Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested purchasing such systems themselves, emphasizing the increasingly desperate security situation.

In another step, Kyiv announced that 20,000 anti-drone missiles originally meant for Ukraine were redirected to US forces stationed in the Middle East, again reflecting US policy shift in the region.

European leaders have been forced to assume greater of the traditional defense burden, as Washington readjusts its military activism globally and urges allies to step up their backing of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.