Ukraine Defense Contact Group to convene in Brussels
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will convene at the NATO headquarters today.
In Brussels, the group of over 50 member countries will meet to discuss further military aid in light of the United States stepping down from its leadership position. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States has chaired the monthly summits until President Trump’s inauguration. Amid rumors of his potential boycott, United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will attend the summit virtually. With Hegseth’s physical absence marking today’s meeting as the first summit without a US senior Pentagon official present, the United Kingdom and Germany will co-chair the summit. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the agenda includes securing more US-made Patriot system missiles, which have been a crucial asset to Ukraine’s successful defense so far.
Given Hegseth’s comments at the last UDCG meeting, the United States will not likely match its prior contribution or continue future funding. Although the United Kingdom and Germany will most likely affirm their continued commitment to funding Ukraine’s defense, member countries will now be burdened to fill the void of the US leadership and contribution. However, continued aid and the delivery of more Patriot missiles from the United States will be unlikely. With European manufacturers unable to provide an alternative to the Ukrainians, a shortage of such a pivotal asset could hold devastating consequences on the frontlines. Nonetheless, this European-led UDCG will mobilize at an unprecedented level in defense of Ukraine at today’s multi-national meeting.
