Russia issues a sharp response after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s warning to prepare for war amid escalating tensions in Europe. Learn more about Hegseth’s speech and Russia’s reaction.
Russia has issued a strong and direct response to the United States following remarks made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who recently warned that the US must be ready for war amid growing tensions in Europe. Hegseth, speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, emphasized that the newly reestablished Department of War would be focused solely on preparing for conflict.
“From this moment forward, the only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: Warfighting,” Hegseth stated. He continued, “Preparing for war and preparing to win. Unrelenting and uncompromising in that pursuit. Not because we want war, but because we love peace.”
In response, Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on October 1 that while Russia also supports strengthening its military, it remains committed to peace and seeks diplomatic solutions to ongoing crises, particularly the conflict in Ukraine. Peskov remarked, “We also prefer to strengthen our armed forces in every possible way, remaining full supporters of peace and remaining open to solving all problems, including the Ukrainian crisis, through diplomatic negotiations and political contacts.”
The remarks come amid rising tensions between the US and Russia, especially regarding military and political stances on issues like Ukraine. The situation has further intensified with Hegseth’s additional comments, where he declared an end to “woke” culture within the US military, criticizing the presence of overweight individuals in leadership roles and emphasizing physical fitness as a priority.
“It’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon leading commands around the country and the world. It’s a bad look,” Hegseth said, adding that all military personnel, regardless of rank, would now be required to meet strict height and weight requirements twice a year.
Hegseth also voiced strong opinions on the current state of US military culture, saying, “No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses, no more climate change worship, no more division, distraction or gender delusion, no more debris. We are done with that.”
Earlier this year, former President Donald Trump had also proposed changing the name of the Department of Defense back to the Department of War, which was its title before World War II. When questioned by a reporter about the proposal, Trump expressed confidence in the change, suggesting that Congress would go along with the idea if necessary. “We want to be defensive, but we also want to be offensive, if we have to be,” Trump added.
The exchange between Hegseth’s statements and Russia’s reaction underscores the rising geopolitical tensions, especially as military preparedness continues to be a focal point of US defense policy. While Hegseth’s remarks on military culture and readiness have sparked controversy, Russia’s response reflects its stance on the importance of diplomacy over conflict.
