Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly not planning to attend the Ramstein group meeting, either in person or virtually.
Defense News reports that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will be absent from the upcoming meeting of nations coordinating military assistance to Ukraine. This marks the first time a Pentagon chief has missed such a gathering, according to US and European sources.
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), also known as the Ramstein group, will convene in Brussels on April 11, marking its 27th session since the conflict’s escalation in 2022. Established by Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin, this 50-nation coalition has funneled over $126 billion in military aid to Kiev, encompassing F-16 fighter jets and substantial quantities of 155mm artillery rounds.
According to an unnamed US official, Hegseth will not be present in person and is not expected to participate virtually. The Pentagon is unlikely to dispatch any senior officials, who typically accompany the secretary on these trips, the source added.
Washington is still evaluating its officials’ involvement in various Ukraine-related forums, including those responsible for overseeing arms shipments and training, the source indicated.
In response to reports of Hegseth’s anticipated absence, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on Telegram: “The crew wishes you farewell and a pleasant flight.”
Hegseth attended the Ramstein group’s February meeting but, unlike Austin, did not preside over the session.
The report states that Austin only missed one in-person meeting during his term due to health concerns in early 2024, but he participated virtually while a senior Pentagon official led the group. The US, which frequently hosted meetings at Germany’s Ramstein Air Base, has become strongly linked to the format.
The US, Ukraine’s biggest military backer, has adjusted its strategy under President Donald Trump, who has suggested that Kiev should reimburse the aid it has already received.
The Trump administration has suggested a wider policy shift, encouraging European allies to take the lead in supporting Ukraine and increasing their own defense spending.
In Brussels in February, Hegseth told European officials that they should assume greater responsibility for their military posture instead of depending on Washington. He also dismissed the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO – a stance confirmed by President Donald Trump.