Elbridge Colby, President Donald Trump’s nominee for a top Pentagon policy role, faced tough questions during his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday. After repeated prodding from senators, Colby acknowledged Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine as a “factual reality,” though he initially hesitated, citing sensitivity around peace prospects. The exchange came as Trump has recently blamed Ukraine for the war and criticized its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Colby dodged questions about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is a war criminal, despite an International Criminal Court warrant against Putin for child abductions in Ukraine. He also defended Trump’s recent pause on military aid to Kyiv, claiming the president has a plan to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Senators from both parties pressed Colby on past statements suggesting the U.S. could tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran. He countered that Iran with nuclear weapons would be an “existential threat” and must be prevented, admitting his earlier wording wasn’t always “perfect.” Vice President JD Vance briefly appeared, urging Colby’s confirmation and praising his ability to work across party lines to rebuild the defense industrial base.

Colby emphasized maintaining top-tier cyber defenses against Russia, suggesting reciprocity for Moscow’s actions. This comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has paused U.S. Cyber Command’s offensive operations against Russia, though other agencies’ efforts continue unaffected.

On broader threats, Colby warned the U.S. lacks a “multi-war military” to handle simultaneous challenges from China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. He opposed abandoning the Middle East or allowing Russia to dominate Europe but highlighted China as the most pressing potential conflict. Colby stressed the need for a credible strategy, more resources, and allied support to address these risks.

The hearing underscored Colby’s evolving views and the contentious backdrop of Trump’s foreign policy as senators weigh his nomination.