U.S. Defense Secretary to Skip Ukraine Contact Group Meeting for the First Time Since Format’s Inception
For the first time since the launch of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein Meeting) in 2022, the U.S. Secretary of Defense will not participate in its upcoming session. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will skip today’s high-level meeting of over 50 allied and partner defense ministers at NATO headquarters.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Politico.
The Pentagon confirmed Hegseth’s absence, citing scheduling conflicts, with press secretary Kingsley Wilson noting, “Secretary Hegseth’s travel schedule precluded attendance at tomorrow’s Ramstein meeting. The United States remains focused on securing a swift end to the war in Ukraine under conditions that ensure lasting peace.”
Instead, the U.S. delegation will be led by Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. Hegseth is expected to arrive in Brussels later this evening to attend a separate NATO defense ministers' gathering on Thursday.
The monthly Ukraine Defense Contact Group, launched by then-Secretary Lloyd Austin in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion, has served as a vital platform for military coordination and support for Ukraine. Until recently, the U.S. played a central leadership role in the format, with both Austin and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs regularly attending in person or virtually.
However, under the Trump administration, Washington relinquished its leadership of the group earlier this year, with the U.K. and Germany assuming co-chair responsibilities.
Hegseth’s absence follows his decision in April to participate only virtually, and further reflects the administration’s broader recalibration of U.S. engagement in European security structures.
While Hegseth will not be present, U.S. General Christopher Cavoli, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, will attend today’s session.
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