Politico: Lloyd Austin’s exit may mark end of Ukraine Contact Group

After US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin steps down from his post, the future of the Contact Group on Ukraine is uncertain, with concerns about its potential dissolution.

Politico reports that Austin, currently in Germany for his final meeting with allies supporting Ukraine as the head of the Pentagon, will leave behind a significant leadership void, per Caliber.Az.

His departure is seen as a serious blow to Ukraine’s efforts.

The publication points out that the situation could change dramatically in the group’s next meeting — if it even convenes. The group’s collapse could prove detrimental to Ukraine, which is already struggling with setbacks in the face of Russia’s ongoing offensive and difficulties in recruiting and training new forces.

Austin has been a central figure in the establishment and ongoing leadership of the Contact Group. When he departs, after the inauguration of newly elected US President Donald Trump, the group will lose its main driving force. As of now, no other country has stepped forward to take over the leadership role.

However, NATO officials believe the group can continue, albeit in a modified form. One official suggested that the United Kingdom, which hosted the first allied meetings, and Germany, a major supplier to Ukraine, could step into leadership positions.

Austin is expected to announce a new $500 million weapons package for Ukraine today, January 9, which demonstrates the Biden administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. However, the remaining $3.8 billion in spending authority for military aid could face uncertainty once the Trump administration takes over.

Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting will be the 25th since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. To date, the member nations have provided over $126 billion in security assistance, with the US contributing $61.4 billion, including $27.7 billion in arms and equipment from Pentagon stockpiles.

By Tamilla Hasanova