EUCOM begins handing Ukraine support mission to NATO allies

WIESBADEN, Germany — Leadership of NATO’s mission to oversee support to Ukraine has switched hands as U.S. European Command began shifting responsibility for parts of the effort to European allies.

Lt. Gen. Curtis Buzzard relinquished command of the U.S. Security Assistance Group-Ukraine and NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine to Lt. Gen. Guillaume N. Beaurpere during a ceremony at Clay Kaserne on Monday.

“It has been a privilege to lead this extraordinary multinational team,” Buzzard said. “Together, we have created a window of opportunity for Ukraine to achieve peace. This window will grow as Ukraine continues to raise the cost of war for Russia.”

Lt. Gen. Curtis Buzzard speaks during the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine change of command ceremony, Aug. 3, 2026, on Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany. Buzzard will retire after 34 years of service. (Sarla Dominguez/U.S. Army)

Incoming commander of Security Assistance Group-Ukraine and NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, Army Lt. Gen Lt. Gen. Guillaume N. Beaurpere, looks on during a change of command ceremony Aug. 3, 2026, in Wiesbaden, Germany. Beaurpere will serve as the last SAG-U commander as the unit transitions its responsibilities to NATO Allies. (Samantha Sergi/U.S. Army)

Lt. Gen. Curtis A. Buzzard, right, and Army Lt. Gen. Guillaume N. Beaurpere embrace as they change command of Security Assistance Group-Ukraine during a ceremony in Wiesbaden, Germany, on Aug. 3, 2026. (Sarla Dominguez/U.S. Army)

Buzzard will retire from the Army after 34 years of service. 

According to a EUCOM statement, the move “will increase the functional efficiency and effectiveness of security assistance to Ukraine, shift leadership for key elements of this mission to Allies, and free U.S. resources for other U.S. global priorities.” 

“This reorganization will not impact U.S. support for Ukraine,” the statement added.

EUCOM Commander Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich said Monday that the U.S. Security Assistance Group-Ukraine will begin transferring roles and responsibilities to European allies and NSATU. Once the transition is complete, SAG-U will be dissolved, he said.

“Allies have shown that they can take the lead in support of Ukraine’s defense,” Grynkewich said. “SAG-U was always meant to be a temporary command. Its transition builds on the progress that we have already seen, helping to set conditions for lasting peace in Ukraine.”

U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich speaks during the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine change of command ceremony Aug, 3, 2026. Grynkewich said SAG-U will eventually dissolve and NSATU will have a European or Canadian commander as the U.S. transfers responsibilities to NATO Allies over the next year. (Sarla Dominguez/U.S. Army)

During the ceremony, Grynkewich noted that within the next year a European or Canadian officer will take command of NSATU, with an American assuming the deputy commander role.

The transition follows the downgrading of other general officer positions in Europe as the Pentagon aims to reduce the number of generals across the services.

U.S. Army Europe and Africa reverted to a three-star command last month, and U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa did the same in October.

Monday’s announcements follow last week’s meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump. The two discussed the possibility of Ukraine producing Patriot missiles, a move that would significantly bolster Ukraine’s defense as the country has made incremental gains against Russia in recent months.