Ukraine, first Contact Group summit without the US

Per la prima volta dalla nascita del gruppo di contatto per la difesa dell’Ucraina, gli Stati Uniti non parteciperanno alla riunione dei 50 Paesi prevista per l’11 aprile a Bruxelles. L’assenza del Segretario alla Difesa americano Pete Hegseth segna un cambiamento significativo nella leadership della coalizione, che finora ha avuto un ruolo centrale nel coordinamento degli aiuti militari a Kiev.

The US deflects: a political signal

Secondo fonti europee e statunitensi, Hegseth non parteciperà né di persona né virtualmente. Il Pentagono non invierà neppure un rappresentante di alto livello, come avvenuto regolarmente nei precedenti 26 incontri del gruppo. Si tratta di un segnale evidente della nuova linea adottata dall’amministrazione Trump, sempre più riluttante nel mantenere un ruolo guida nel supporto militare all’Ucraina.

During the last meeting in February, Hegseth had already manifested a critical approach, urging the European allies to take more responsibility for their own defence, reducing their historical dependence on the US. He had also stated that no decision would be made on Ukraine's entry into NATO without a direct assessment by the administration, drawing criticism even within the US Congress.

A leadership vacuum in the coalition

The Contact Group, established on the initiative of then Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in 2022, has so far been instrumental in mobilising over USD 126 billion in military aid to Ukraine, half of it from the US. Its symbolic headquarters is the Ramstein air base in Germany.

Austin's only absence at a meeting was in early 2024 for health reasons. Even then, however, he attended remotely, delegating leadership to a senior Pentagon official, Celeste Wallander.

Now, with the American disengagement, Europe and the United Kingdom are considering a new leadership structure. Germany and Britain will chair the Brussels meeting, representing respectively the EU's largest economic power and one of Europe's most operational armed forces.

Real risks to mission effectiveness

Without the US presence, partners fear an impoverishment of the quality of information shared. Briefings conducted by the Pentagon leadership and US European Command have so far been crucial in outlining needs on the ground and targeting aid. The absence of these strategic inputs could limit the coalition's ability to respond effectively to the evolving conflict.

To make matters worse, the US recently suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine for a week, immediately after a difficult visit of President Zelenskyy to the White House. In parallel, arms deliveries were also temporarily halted.

Funds still available, but without future guarantees

The Pentagon still has 3.85 billion authorised for military supplies, but no longer has funds for stock replacementwhich is holding back further shipments. Meanwhile, the US Congress has no concrete plans for new allocationsleaving Ukraine in a position of increasing uncertainty.

Towards a more autonomous Europe?

This situation could accelerate the transformation of the European role in the security of the continent. Some member states are already developing alternative formats for aid management and defence strategies. However, as Wallander warned, the absence of the United States will have real costsboth in terms of operational and political effectiveness.

Source: https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2025/04/02/in-first-hegseth-to-skip-multinational-meeting-on-ukraine-support/