The U.S. is handing over coordination of military aid to Ukraine to NATO, according to Politico
The Pentagon plans to step down from its leadership role in the NATO Security Assistance Group in Wiesbaden, Germany, which coordinates military aid to Ukraine. Command is expected to gradually transition to one of the Alliance’s European allies.
According to a U.S. official and three sources familiar with the plans, the handover process will take up to a year and should not disrupt support for Ukraine.
“Although NATO will lead the program, U.S. European Command will remain involved through its American deputy,” the publication notes.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Security Assistance Group in Wiesbaden has played a key role in coordinating arms deliveries, training Ukrainian military personnel, and providing logistical support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
According to Politico, following the transfer of command, the U.S. will no longer determine the future structure of the Ukrainian army’s development, as it did previously.
The article notes that NATO countries generally welcomed the decision to transfer the leadership role to a European ally, believing that this will strengthen Europe’s responsibility for the continent’s security.
“For us, this step has more advantages than disadvantages. It reduces the risks that could arise from political instability in the U.S. and facilitates military logistics for Ukraine,” said a Ukrainian official speaking on condition of anonymity.
At the same time, some Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that integrating the command into NATO’s bureaucratic structure could slow the delivery of military aid to the front lines.
In addition, there are fears about the loss of critically important U.S. capabilities.
“No one will be able to replace U.S. capabilities in satellite reconnaissance, target acquisition, and the logistical capabilities provided by U.S. heavy transport aircraft,” the Ukrainian official emphasized.
According to Politico, Washington’s decision to step down from its leadership role in Wiesbaden is part of a broader trend in which the U.S. is gradually transferring certain command functions within NATO to its European allies.
Despite the change in leadership, the Security Assistance Group will continue to coordinate the supply of military equipment, the training of Ukrainian military personnel, and logistical support for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
This was reported by Politico.
NATO stated that a meeting between the new Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Mykhailo Drapaty, and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Aleksas Grinkevičius, is only a matter of time. The Alliance emphasized that it continues to devote significant attention to supporting Ukraine’s defense.
Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Mykhailo Drapatiy held his first telephone conversation with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of U.S. Forces in Europe, General Alex Grinkevich.
