UK to Lead Ukraine Defense Talks as U.S. Adjusts Role

The United Kingdom will chair the next Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, marking the first time the U.S. has not led the forum since its inception in 2022.

The 26th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will take place on February 12 at NATO headquarters in Brussels, chaired by UK Defense Secretary John Healey.
This marks the first time the U.S. has not led the UDCG, with the UK stepping into the leadership role at the request of the Trump administration.
The U.S. remains the largest single contributor of military aid to Ukraine but is taking a step back as European nations are encouraged to increase their defense contributions.
President Trump has expressed skepticism about continued U.S. support for Ukraine and plans to present a peace proposal at the Munich Security Conference next week.
The UDCG was established in 2022 to coordinate international military aid for Ukraine, with over 50 allied nations participating to address the country's defense needs against Russian aggression.