The United States is no longer leading the Ukrainian defence group. Credit: Shutterstock, JRDES
As Washington retreats, the Ramstein Powershift raises the eyebrows.
The United States has resigned “quietly” after leading a group of Ukraine’s major allies known as the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group (UDCG).
The group, well known as the Ramstein Group, has been a lynching pin to coordinate Ukraine’s military support since the start of a full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. It consisted of 57 countries, including 32 NATO members, 25 partner countries and the European Union.
But now the leadership baton has been officially passed to Europe.
“The chairman was taken over by Germany and the UK,” Breckelmans said in an interview with. EuroNews.
Brekelmans stressed that unification remains key, saying the group’s continued collaboration is “very important” and that the US is involved at least for now.
It illustrates a major shift in the structure of the group, previously commanded by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. His successor, Pete Hegses, was appointed under the Trump administration – not chairing one UDCG meeting.
The UK and Germany have already stepped into their roles informally, but this is the first time the arrangement has been confirmed to be permanent.
Western officials initially moved as temporary, but suggest that while the Trump team is speeding up, it is merely a halt. But this latest statement makes it clear. Europe is currently leading the charges in helping Ukraine defend.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses attended the latest UDCG conference, albeit online.
This movement comes as part of a wider pattern of alarms sounding across Europe. The Trump administration sends recurring signals that it may be a step back from its traditional role in NATO.
The European capital already has the potential to withdraw the thousands of US troops currently stationed on the continent. Currently, approximately 100,000 American troops are based in Central Europe.
Europe is no longer waiting for Washington’s clues. It’s stepping up and moving forward.
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