The 27th meeting of the 50-country Ukraine Contact Group gathered at NATO headquarters on Friday without US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in attendance. He participated virtually, marking the first time a US defense secretary has missed an in-person gathering.
Europeans, led by the UK and Germany, announced new aid packages for Ukraine. The UK committed £450 million (approximately $590 million) to provide radar systems, anti-tank mines, and drones, while also covering repair costs for equipment already provided. Germany pledged 11 billion pounds of equipment, including air defense systems and missiles.
British Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of boosting Ukraine’s defenses by continuing to deter Russian aggression. The UK expects to spend £5.8 billion this year on Ukraine.
In contrast, the US has committed at least $67 billion in weapons and equipment to Ukraine since the Biden administration took office. However, the Trump administration has not used its remaining $3.85 billion authority to commit additional packages of military equipment for Ukraine.
US forces in Europe, led by Gen. Christopher Cavoli, told Congress that while Europeans can step up, Ukraine relies heavily on US support, particularly in areas like high-end anti-aircraft systems and intelligence sharing. The war between Russia and Ukraine continues, with the Russians seemingly stalled around strategic cities, but still engaging in fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Cavoli commended the Ukrainians for adapting and transforming while at war, saying they have achieved “an almost cold start” military transformation quickly. He also noted that Ukraine has successfully paralyzed the Russian Black Sea Fleet despite lacking a navy.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/europe-leads-ukraine-contact-group-hegseth-virtually-attends