US no longer leads Ukraine defence group.
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Ramstein power shift raises eyebrows as Washington steps back.
The United States has ‘quietly’ stepped down from leading the group of key Ukraine allies known as the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) – leaving Britain and Germany in the driving seat from now on.
The group, better known as the Ramstein Group, has been a linchpin in coordinating military support for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Made up of 57 nations – including all 32 NATO members, 25 partner countries, and the European Union – the group had, until recently, been chaired exclusively by the US.
But now, the leadership baton has officially been passed to Europe.
“The chairmanship has been taken over by Germany and the UK,” said Brekelmans in an interview with EuroNews.
Brekelmans stressed that unity remains key, saying the group’s continued collaboration “is very important” and that the US remains involved – at least for now.
It marks a major shift in the structure of the group, which was previously helmed by former US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. His successor, Pete Hegseth – appointed under the Trump administration – has not chaired a single meeting of the UDCG.
While the UK and Germany had already stepped into the role informally, this is the first time it has been confirmed that the arrangement is permanent.
Western officials had initially played down the move as temporary, suggesting it was simply a stopgap while the Trump team got up to speed. But this latest statement makes it clear: Europe is now leading the charge in supporting Ukraine’s defence.
Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was present at the latest UDCG meeting, albeit online.
The move comes as part of a wider pattern that’s ringing alarm bells across Europe – with the Trump administration sending repeated signals that it may be taking a step back from its traditional role in NATO.
European capitals are already bracing for the possible withdrawal of thousands of US troops currently stationed on the continent. At present, around 100,000 American troops are based across central Europe.
Europe is no longer waiting for Washington’s cue – it’s stepping up, and stepping forward.
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