US Defense Secretary to Miss NATO Meeting in Brussels, Allies Respond

US Defense Secretary to Skip NATO Defense Ministers' Meeting

According to Главком: The US Secretary of Defense will not attend the upcoming meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels. Icelandic Minister of Defence, Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir, commented on this absence, stating she does not view it as a concerning signal. She noted that the Alliance has grown stronger following internal discussions that arose in early 2026 in the wake of statements from the United States concerning Greenland. The Secretary of Defense will be represented at the meeting by his deputy, Elbridge Colby.

Significance of Ministerial Attendance at Meetings

Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir also shared her views on the importance of ministerial participation in such meetings. She stated:

“It is always better, of course, if ministers participate in the meetings here. But I would not characterize this as a bad signal.” - Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir

She emphasized that the Alliance has become stronger recently, adding: “Since the beginning of this year, we have really been tested. But now the entire Alliance is stronger than it was at the start of the year.”

The meeting in the 'Ramstein' format is scheduled for February 12 at NATO headquarters in Brussels. It will be co-chaired by Germany and the United Kingdom. Ukraine's new Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, will participate in the meeting. Prior to the 'Ramstein' meeting, a gathering of NATO member defense ministers is planned. Furthermore, an informal meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council will take place after the NATO defense ministers' meeting.

Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir also stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine, noting:

“We cannot let this distract us from the eastern flank. We must remember that Ukraine is now fighting for the freedom and sovereignty of Europe, so we must support them, do everything to achieve a lasting and just peace.” - Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir

The absence of the US Defense Secretary from the NATO defense ministers' meeting may point to internal reforms and shifts in US strategy regarding the Alliance, particularly in the context of regional tensions. His deputy, Elbridge Colby, who will replace him, has experience in defense matters and is likely to continue a course aimed at strengthening collective security. The importance of supporting Ukraine, underscored by Gylfadottir, remains critical for European stability and is likely to be a central topic of discussion at the upcoming meetings. The 'Ramstein' format meetings are a key mechanism for coordinating military aid to Ukraine.