Hegseth Dodges Question on Who He Wants to Win the…

Hegseth Dodges Question on Who He Wants to Win the Russia-Ukraine War: 'Peace Serves Our National Interest'

The Defense Secretary acknowledged that Russia was the aggressor in the conflict with Ukraine. (Credit: ALEX WROBLEWSKI/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth drew ire after he avoided a question from Senator Mitch McConnell on which side he was supporting in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Hegseth was questioned on the conflict and his beliefs concerning its nature during a hearing on Wednesday.

"Mr. Secretary, it probably won't surprise you but I'm going to start with Ukraine. I'm going to ask you a series of questions and I don't want you to linger on any one of them... Number one, who's the aggressor and who's the victim in the conflict?" McConnell asked.

"Russia is the aggressor," Hegseth responded.

"Which side do you want to win?" McConnell further questioned.

"As we've said time and time again, this President is committed to peace in that conflict. Ultimately, peace serves our national interest and we think the interest of both parties even if that outcome will not be preferable to many in this room and many in our country," Hegseth responded.

McCONNELL: Do you want Ukraine or Russia to win?

HEGSETH: As we've said time and time again, this president is committed to peace in that conflict pic.twitter.com/egNZD8dHUj
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 11, 2025

Social media users responded to the clip apprehensively, accusing Hegseth of concealing his support, and the Trump administration's support, for Russia.

"Hegseth: 'I would like Russia to win.' Fixed it," said one user.

Hegseth: “I would like Russia to win.”

Fixed it.
— Jeremy H🇺🇸 (@jeremyfromga) June 11, 2025

"Ukraine is going to have to rely on their true allies. The USA is obviously in bed with Russia," said another.

Ukraine is going to have to rely on their true allies. The USA is obviously in bed with Russia.
— MotherofEagles (@CCknockout) June 11, 2025

"That answer right there, says it all. This godforsaken administration is pro-putin. It's easy to answer Russia's the aggressor, but he just wouldn't, couldn't say this regime is for Ukraine. STILL shocking to hear," wrote a third.

That answer right there, says it all. This godforsaken administration is pro-putin. It's easy to answer Russia's the aggressor, but he just wouldn't, couldn't say this regime is for Ukraine. STILL shocking to hear.
— Claire S🤍 (@SaintLaurant) June 11, 2025

"McConnel asking a great question and Hegseth showing how much this administration sides with Russia," concurred a fourth.