Pentagon to cede leadership of Ukraine support group — another NATO country to take over

The United States intends to hand over its leading role in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) to another NATO member state.

This is reported by Politico, citing sources.

According to the outlet, the Pentagon will relinquish command of the headquarters based in Germany, which coordinates military aid to Ukraine. The handover process could take about a year, sources said. At the same time, Politico’s interlocutors stressed that cooperation with Ukraine will not be interrupted.

The Ukrainian side received the upcoming changes with apprehension. A Kyiv official told the outlet that Ukrainian leadership fears a possible slowdown in weapons deliveries. According to him, nothing can replace American satellite intelligence and the logistical capabilities of heavy military aircraft.

Moscow has consistently opposed weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has repeatedly stated that such deliveries hinder the resolution of the conflict and directly involve NATO countries in the confrontation. Lavrov also warned that any military cargo would become a legitimate target for Russia’s Armed Forces.

Earlier, Ukrainian military personnel criticized NATO soldiers’ training following exercises.