Next week, John Healey, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Defense, is set to lead the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels.
This marks a notable change, as it is the first time an American defense secretary will not oversee the group since its inception three years ago.
This shift highlights a potential transformation in the U.S. stance on military support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Background of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group
Created in 2022 following Russia’s invasion, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group includes 50 nations united in their commitment to provide military aid to Kyiv.
Their collaborative initiatives have amassed over $126 billion in support, which encompasses a wide array of military supplies, including F-16 fighter jets and substantial stocks of 155mm artillery rounds.
Traditionally, the United States has played a central role in these meetings, frequently hosting them at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
Shift in U.S. Military Support
Throughout the group’s early years, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin led each session and consistently advocated for robust American backing for Ukraine, even during his last overseas trip in January.
President Zelenskyy has repeatedly stressed the importance of U.S. support in their fight against Russian forces, warning that any reduction in assistance could have detrimental effects during this pivotal time.
Under President Trump, however, growing skepticism about ongoing military aid has emerged.
While Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will attend the Brussels meeting, he won’t be steering it, a shift from prior conventions.
Although he plans to deliver a speech, he has not made any commitments regarding an increase in U.S. aid.
Some Pentagon officials have voiced concerns about prioritizing resources for potential conflicts elsewhere, such as tensions with China over Taiwan, complicating decisions related to further assistance for Ukraine.
Future Considerations
President Trump has expressed his desire to swiftly negotiate a resolution to the Ukrainian conflict and has tasked former General Keith Kellogg with leading this initiative, aiming for a settlement within 100 days.
Nevertheless, experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of such negotiations, especially without Ukraine’s involvement, particularly as the country endures setbacks in the east.
As he prepares for the meeting, Hegseth has already held discussions with John Healey and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
While in Europe, he intends to meet with various leaders, but there are currently no scheduled talks with Ukrainian representatives.
The Pentagon has indicated that the U.S. decision not to host the meeting should not be interpreted as a long-term position; it is still evaluating its future role in this crucial group.
Source: Militarytimes