US now not leads Ukraine defence group.
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Ramstein energy shift raises eyebrows as Washington steps again.
America has ‘quietly’ stepped down from main the group of key Ukraine allies generally known as the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) – leaving Britain and Germany within the driving seat any longer.
The group, higher generally known as the Ramstein Group, has been a linchpin in coordinating army help for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion started in 2022. Made up of 57 nations – together with all 32 NATO members, 25 accomplice international locations, and the European Union – the group had, till lately, been chaired completely by the US.
However now, the management baton has formally been handed to Europe.
“The chairmanship has been taken over by Germany and the UK,” mentioned Brekelmans in an interview with EuroNews.
Brekelmans pressured that unity stays key, saying the group’s continued collaboration “is essential” and that the US stays concerned – at the least for now.
It marks a serious shift within the construction of the group, which was beforehand helmed by former US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. His successor, Pete Hegseth – appointed beneath the Trump administration – has not chaired a single assembly of the UDCG.
Whereas the UK and Germany had already stepped into the position informally, that is the primary time it has been confirmed that the association is everlasting.
Western officers had initially performed down the transfer as non permanent, suggesting it was merely a stopgap whereas the Trump group obtained up to the mark. However this newest assertion makes it clear: Europe is now main the cost in supporting Ukraine’s defence.
In the meantime, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was current on the newest UDCG assembly, albeit on-line.
The transfer comes as a part of a wider sample that’s ringing alarm bells throughout Europe – with the Trump administration sending repeated indicators that it might be taking a step again from its conventional position in NATO.
European capitals are already bracing for the potential withdrawal of hundreds of US troops at present stationed on the continent. At current, round 100,000 American troops are primarily based throughout central Europe.
Europe is now not ready for Washington’s cue – it’s stepping up, and stepping ahead.
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