Pentagon: NATO must strengthen military power, not diplomacy

NATO must shift its focus toward becoming a "more lethal force" rather than serving as a diplomatic forum, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth.

Hegseth made this statement upon arriving at the headquarters of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition formed to coordinate military support for Kyiv in its ongoing conflict with Russia, Caliber.Az reports.

Arrived @NATO HQ. Our commitment is clear: NATO must be a stronger, more lethal force—not a diplomatic club. Time for allies to meet the moment. pic.twitter.com/51frvBjWoj

— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) February 12, 2025

"Arrived at NATO. Our commitment is clear: NATO must be a stronger, more lethal force—not a diplomatic club. Time for allies to meet the moment," Hegseth wrote on social media platform X, signalling a hardline stance on the alliance's future role.

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which currently comprises over 50 countries—including all 31 NATO member states—has been instrumental in coordinating the delivery of weapons and military aid to Ukraine. Originally created by the U.S. outside NATO, the group has met under American leadership since its inception. However, following the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, the United Kingdom assumed the chairmanship of the Contact Group meetings, further solidifying the transatlantic partnership in the ongoing support for Ukraine.

By Vugar Khalilov