Pentagon May Downgrade Ukraine Policy Office Amid Wider Reorganization

The Pentagon is considering a structural downgrade of the office responsible for coordinating U.S. military policy on Ukraine and Eurasia, potentially signaling a shift in priorities as the Trump administration recalibrates its security focus, The Gaze reports, citing Defense News.

As part of a broader reorganization, the Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia Affairs office—which played a central role in shaping the U.S. response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine—would be folded into the Europe and NATO office. While the office’s work would continue, the change would reduce its bureaucratic standing, just as Europe prepares for a pivotal NATO summit in June.

am,” one former U.S. defense official said.

The office had gained unprecedented influence during the past two years, helping manage over $130 billion in coordinated international security assistance to Ukraine, roughly half of it from the United States. 

Its former director, Laura Cooper, played a key role in organizing the Ukraine Defense Contact Group—a coalition of over 50 countries that has met 27 times to streamline military aid.

Though some insiders described the reorganization as a routine bureaucratic shuffle, others saw it as part of a strategic downgrade of Ukraine’s importance in U.S. defense policy.

Elbridge Colby, the current Pentagon policy chief, has been vocal about shifting resources toward deterring China, advocating for Europe to shoulder greater responsibility for its own defense. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth echoed that sentiment during his February visit to NATO headquarters:

“Leaders of our European allies should take primary responsibility for defense of the continent,” Hegseth said.

European officials are reportedly concerned, with many seeking urgent meetings with David Baker, who leads the Europe and NATO office, to prepare for upcoming shifts. The reorganization may consolidate too much responsibility under one office, potentially overwhelming leadership during a time of strategic uncertainty.

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