UK to take over leadership of Ukraine defense group from US

The UK will take over leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) from the US, with Defence Secretary John Healey convening the first UK-led meeting in Brussels next week.

It will be the first time the UK has led the group, after it was instructed by the Americans to take charge on enhancing Ukraine’s security within NATO.

The UDCG will discuss priorities for Ukraine ahead of the NATO ministers’ meeting, as international support continues amid Russia's invasion.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will attend, along with representatives from around 50 nations. The change in leadership comes as the US plans to reduce its role in Europe. A senior defence source emphasized the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine and collaborating with NATO allies. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is set to present a plan to end the war at the Munich Security Conference, proposing a freeze on the conflict and security guarantees for Ukraine.