Politico: US to step down from leading Ukraine aid group, hand over to NATO ally
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The Pentagon will relinquish leadership of the NATO-run Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U) and transfer command to another alliance member within a year, Politico reported on Friday. The group, based in Wiesbaden, Germany, coordinates weapons deliveries and training for Ukrainian forces. The move signals growing European responsibility for the aid effort, even as Kyiv expresses concern over the long-term reliability of US support.
The Transfer Plan
Politico reported on Friday that the Pentagon will hand over command of the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U) to another NATO member. The transition is expected to take up to a year, with the US military remaining involved through an American deputy commander. A NATO official, speaking anonymously, called the appointment of a European or Canadian officer a sign that allies are increasingly taking on responsibility for the aid effort. The group, headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany, has coordinated the flow of weapons and logistics to Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion began.
Kyiv’s Concerns and European Support
The planned devolution has drawn support from within NATO, with some allies arguing it reduces exposure to political instability in the United States. A Ukrainian official told Politico the move has ‘more advantages than disadvantages’ for Kyiv, easing military logistics. At the same time, the decision has stirred anxiety in Ukraine about the long-term sustainability of Western military assistance. ‘Support for Ukraine remains a top priority,’ the NATO official said, reiterating the alliance’s commitment despite the command change.
What's Next
The transfer of command is scheduled to take place over the next year. It remains unclear whether the shift will affect the tempo of arms deliveries or signal a broader US drawdown from the Ukraine aid architecture.
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Politico: US to step down from leading Ukraine aid group, hand over to NATO ally
