Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth will reportedly not attend the Ramstein group both nearly or in particular person
US Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth will skip the subsequent assembly of nations coordinating army help for Ukraine – the primary such absence by a Pentagon chief – Protection Information has reported, citing US and European officers.
The Ukraine Protection Contact Group, or UDCG – also referred to as the Ramstein group – is about to convene in Brussels on April 11 for the twenty seventh time because the escalation of the battle in 2022. Based by Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin, the 50-nation coalition has offered greater than $126 billion in army assist to Kiev, together with F-16 fighter jets and huge portions of 155mm artillery shells.
An unnamed US official instructed the outlet on Wednesday that Hegseth wouldn’t attend in particular person and isn’t anticipated to affix nearly both. The Pentagon is unlikely to ship any senior representatives, who sometimes accompany the secretary on such journeys, the official stated.
Washington continues to be assessing how its officers will take part in varied Ukraine-related boards, together with these overseeing arms deliveries and coaching, in keeping with the supply.
Reacting to reviews of Hegseth’s possible absence, Russian Overseas Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote paradoxically on Telegram: “The crew bids you farewell and desires you a nice flight.”
Hegseth attended the Ramstein group’s assembly in February however not like Austin, didn’t chair the session.
In accordance with the report, Austin missed just one in-person assembly throughout his tenure – in early 2024 on account of well being points – however joined nearly whereas a senior Pentagon official led the group. The US, which regularly hosted the conferences at Germany’s Ramstein Air Base, turned carefully related to the format.
The US, Ukraine’s largest army donor, has since shifted its method below President Donald Trump, who has known as for Kiev to repay assist already delivered.
The Trump administration has signaled a broader coverage shift, urging European allies to take the lead in supporting Ukraine and boosting their very own army spending.
In Brussels in February, Hegseth instructed European officers they need to take larger duty for his or her army posture as an alternative of counting on Washington. He additionally dominated out the potential of NATO membership for Ukraine – a place confirmed by President Donald Trump.
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