**Pentagon to Downgrade Ukraine-Focused Office Amid Policy Restructure**
The US military’s policy office responsible for overseeing the country’s stance on Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia may soon be downgraded, according to sources close to Defense News. This decision comes as part of a broader policy realignment within the Pentagon.
**A Merger That May Diminish an Office’s Prominence**
The office in question is set to be merged with the Pentagon’s Europe and NATO office, reducing its prominence despite playing a critical role since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While no staff cuts are planned at this time, the restructuring would mark a demotion for an office that helped coordinate the delivery of over $130 billion in security aid to Ukraine.
**A Key Role in Coordinating Aid and Support**
Under former director Laura Cooper, the office played a key role in organizing a coalition of 50 countries that has met 27 times to support Ukraine. The office also helped facilitate the delivery of roughly half of the $130 billion in security aid from the United States.
**A Shift Away From Ukraine?**
Sources close to the matter suggest that this decision is part of a larger pivot away from Ukraine under President Trump’s second term. Current Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby has advocated for reducing US military assistance to Ukraine to prioritize deterrence efforts in Asia.
**European Allies Should Take On Greater Responsibility, Say Officials**
During a February visit to NATO headquarters, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that European allies should take on greater responsibility for continental security, including Ukraine. “Leaders of our European allies should take primary responsibility for defense of the continent,” he said.
**Concerns Over an Unmanageable Workload**
Former US officials have raised concerns that combining the offices would create an unmanageable workload for the director. David Baker, who now leads the Europe and NATO office, is reportedly fielding high interest from European governments seeking clarity ahead of the June NATO summit.
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