A New York Times investigation alleges that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared more concerned with appearances than substance during a February encounter with his Ukrainian counterpart, raising questions about the Trump administration’s early approach to the war in Ukraine.
According to the report, Hegseth entered the Pentagon with limited personal views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, relying instead on guidance from civilian advisers. One former Pentagon official described him as starting out “as something of a blank slate” on the issue.
Within days of taking office, Hegseth was reportedly presented with a sharp policy shift by a close circle of advisers influenced by strategist Elbridge A. Colby. Colby, whose views emphasize redirecting U.S. resources toward the Pacific, had long argued that the billions spent on arming Ukraine would have been better used elsewhere.
During an early Pentagon meeting, Colby’s ally Dan Caldwell laid out recommendations to pause certain weapons shipments promised under the previous administration, arguing that U.S. stockpiles were too thin to support global war plans. He also urged against using the remaining $3.8 billion previously allocated for Ukraine. Senior military leaders reportedly offered little response, with the Joint Chiefs chairman reacting in visible discomfort.
The Times recounts that the following month, during a trip to Europe, Hegseth declined Ukrainian requests for a formal meeting. Instead, a brief standing encounter was arranged in an anteroom. Before cameras rolled, an American official present said Hegseth touched up his appearance with makeup, remarking that the interaction might be televised and noticed by the president.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov then used the short exchange to seek clarity rather than commitments. Speaking quietly, he stressed that he understood U.S. political priorities were shifting and said he was not asking for new aid. His sole concern, he explained, was whether the United States would continue delivering previously approved munitions—supplies that, he warned, directly affected the survival of Ukrainian troops.
According to the account, Umerov repeatedly asked for honesty about U.S. intentions. Hegseth, however, reportedly responded only with nods, offering no clear answer.
One U.S. official described the moment as striking, noting that Umerov was not pressing for a favorable response, but simply seeking transparency. “He just wanted to know what the U.S. was really thinking,” the official said, emphasizing that the Ukrainian minister was asking for trust and clarity rather than reassurance.
