**US Defense Secretary Skips Crucial Meeting on Ukraine Aid**
In a surprising move, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will not attend the upcoming meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels. The news comes as Russia continues to reject a ceasefire and prepares new offensives against Ukraine.
According to the Associated Press, Hegseth will miss the June 4 meeting, which is being chaired by the UK and Germany. This will be the first time that the Pentagon chief has skipped a UDCG meeting in the so-called Ramstein format. The decision raises questions about the level of US commitment to supporting Ukraine’s military efforts.
The meeting takes place against a backdrop of intensifying Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine, which have sparked calls from Kyiv for more air defenses, including Patriot systems. Ukraine has also requested increased investment in its arms production capabilities.
**Background: A Shift in US Policy?**
This development comes as the US under President Donald Trump is scaling back its involvement in international initiatives to support Ukraine. Trump has sought to broker a ceasefire and peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, but these talks have stalled. The US president’s silence on recent war developments, including a mass drone attack on Russian strategic aviation, has also been noted.
It remains unclear why Hegseth will not attend the meeting or what implications this decision may have for US-Ukraine relations. One thing is certain: the absence of the Pentagon chief at this critical moment sends a worrying signal about the level of US commitment to supporting Ukraine’s military efforts.
**The Ramstein Format: A Key Platform**
The UDCG, launched by former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in 2022, serves as a crucial platform for coordinating assistance among Kyiv’s allies. The last meeting took place on April 11, with allies committing over $23.8 billion in long-term military aid to Ukraine. Hegseth attended the previous Ramstein summit in February but did not chair it.
**The Way Forward?**
As the war drags on, the international community must continue to show its support for Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression. The absence of the US Defense Secretary at this critical meeting raises questions about the level of commitment from the US and other allies.
Will you help us reach our goal of 20,000 members? We’re working hard to show the world the truth of Russia’s brutal war — and we’re keeping it free for everyone, because reliable information should be available to all.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
