For the first time, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth will not attend a meeting in Brussels, where a coalition of 50 countries will meet on 11 April to discuss military support for Ukraine. This was reported by Defence News, citing US and European officials.
“Pete Hegseth will not attend the 50-nation meeting to coordinate military support for Ukraine. This is the first time when the coalition meets without the participation of the US defence secretary”, the publication said.
According to the publication, the contact group chaired by Germany and Britain will meet in Brussels on 11 April. At the same time, the head of the Pentagon does not plan to attend the event either in person or online.
“In fact, the Pentagon is unlikely to send any high-ranking representatives who usually accompany the minister on such trips,” the US source said.
Defence News stressed that the White House is still assessing how US officials will be represented in various forums that support Ukraine, including those that help manage the security and training spheres.
“For the Europeans, the absence of the Secretary of State [US – ed.] is the latest sign that the administration [US President Donald – ed.] Trump pays less attention to arming Ukraine,” stated Defense News.
Earlier, the AFP news agency wrote that the contradictory position of the USA in the context of the dialogue with NATO endangers the foundations of the military-political bloc, and the hypothetical rapprochement between Moscow and Washington will become a serious problem for the North Atlantic alliance.
