For the First Time, Not the U.S.: The 'Ramstein' Meeting on Ukraine to be Led by the UK

A Historic Shift in the 'Ramstein' Format: The upcoming meeting of the international coalition providing military aid to Ukraine will, for the first time, be chaired by the United Kingdom instead of the United States, reports NewsBox.

This was announced by the UK's representation to NATO, according to DW.

"British Defense Secretary John Healy is convening the Contact Group on Ukraine's defense issues at NATO headquarters in Brussels on February 12," the announcement stated.

The 26th meeting in the 'Ramstein' format will take place ahead of a NATO defense ministers' meeting aimed at discussing priorities for Ukraine while the international community continues its collective efforts to support Kyiv against Russian military aggression.

This format, initiated in the spring of 2022 for coordinating military aid to Ukraine following the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, has traditionally been led by the United States, specifically Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The upcoming session will be the first following the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.

Previously, The Times reported that the Trump administration approached British Defense Secretary John Healy to lead the group and rally allies.

According to the publication, the U.S. stepping back from leading the meeting may be linked to uncertainty regarding the Trump administration's stance on Ukraine and future military aid to Kyiv. Another source attributed it to the fact that the new Pentagon chief, Pete Hegseth, has recently taken office and is "getting up to speed" with matters. Nonetheless, Hegseth is expected to participate in the meeting on February 12.