WASHINGTON — In a significant development, the United States will not have its top defense official present at an international gathering of military leaders focusing on aid to Ukraine, marking a first since the organization’s inception three years ago. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was engaged at a national security event in Singapore and will not reach Brussels until after the Ukraine Defense Contact Group convenes with over 50 defense leaders on Wednesday.
An anonymous U.S. official disclosed that Secretary Hegseth will not join the meeting remotely either, further highlighting a series of maneuvers indicating the U.S. distancing itself from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The absence comes shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron raised concerns at the security conference about potential U.S. military repositioning away from Europe and towards the Indo-Pacific, which could jeopardize support for Ukraine.
There is apprehension among France and other NATO countries that such a shift could weaken U.S. intentions to maintain credibility, especially in the hypothetical scenario of a confrontation with China over Taiwan. The creation of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group dates back to the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine when previous Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin initiated the coalition. Together, member nations have pledged roughly $126 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, with the U.S. contributing over half of that amount.
Under Austin’s strategy, the U.S. played a pivotal role, often chairing the meetings, in person and virtually, alongside the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. However, Hegseth’s approach has dramatically altered U.S. involvement. His tenure so far reflects a step back from direct assistance, as he has ceased announcements of new military aid and has now decided against attending the key meeting.
In discussions earlier this year, during a Brussels NATO defense summit, Hegseth advised Ukraine to revise its ambitions to join NATO and reclaim territories occupied by Russia. He has also indicated Trump’s administration’s intent for Europe to bear the majority of responsibility for Ukraine’s military and financial support. Since President Trump assumed office, there has been a noticeable halt in commitments for additional U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
Subsequently, leadership of the Ukraine support group has shifted to Germany and the United Kingdom. Though Hegseth will be absent, General Christopher Cavoli, head of U.S. European Command and NATO’s supreme allied commander, is set to participate in the Brussels meeting.
In parallel developments, an influential Ukrainian delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is currently in Washington for discussions focusing on defense strategies, sanctions, and postwar recovery efforts. Andrii Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, confirmed these talks. The Ukrainian officials engaged with U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg about ongoing combat developments and engaged in planning strategies with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials lined up.