Berlin: The Pentagon is preparing to transfer leadership of a NATO command in Germany that coordinates military assistance to Ukraine to another alliance member, Politico reported Saturday. The Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U), which has overseen military aid, training, and logistics for Ukraine during its conflict with Russia, will continue its operations during a transition expected to last up to a year. US European Command will remain involved through an American deputy commander.
According to Anadolu Agency, this move is part of a larger restructuring initiative under President Donald Trump's administration. This initiative has reduced US military leadership roles in Europe, scaled back certain troop rotations, and encouraged allies to take on more responsibility for regional defense. "A European or Canadian officer taking command . would be yet another example of allies taking on greater responsibility," a NATO official stated. The official emphasized that supporting Ukraine remains a top priority.
The Pentagon confirmed in a statement that "SAG-U was always meant to be temporary." The statement further explained that the effort aims to shift the burden within the Alliance to support Ukraine and to align U.S. resources according to the National Defense Strategy. The report mentioned previous NATO leadership changes, such as the UK taking over Joint Force Command Norfolk, Italy assuming Joint Force Command Naples, and German and Polish leadership taking charge of Joint Force Command Brunssum. It also noted that while the US has reduced some troop deployments in Eastern Europe, a planned withdrawal from Poland was later reversed.
According to Politico, Army Lt. Gen. Curtis Buzzard is set to hand over command of SAG-U to Lt. Gen. Guillaume Beaurpere, who will oversee the transition's completion. European allies have largely welcomed the change. A Ukrainian official told Politico that the transition presents "more advantages than disadvantages," as it reduces risks from political uncertainty in the United States and enhances military logistics for Ukraine. However, the official cautioned that NATO's bureaucracy might slow down the delivery of military assistance and highlighted the irreplaceable capabilities of American satellite reconnaissance, target designation, and logistics provided by U.S. heavy transport aircraft.