Top US general behind Ukraine support forced out — FT
Photo: US General Christopher Donahue (Getty Images)
High-ranking US General Christopher Donahue, who commands US Army forces in Europe and Africa and has played a key role in supporting Ukraine, is leaving the service early, according to the Financial Times.
The agency notes that this decision was made as part of a large-scale personnel purge being carried out by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Donahue is being forced to resign just two months after Hegseth fired General Randy George from his post as Army Chief of Staff, a move that sparked outrage among officers at the Pentagon.
Donahue is expected to announce his resignation shortly and will officially end his military service in July.
Donahue is a four-star general and a veteran of numerous combat operations. He served in Iraq, Syria, and other conflict zones, and went down in history as the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan during the US troop withdrawal in 2021.
In recent years, the general has played a key role in coordinating US military support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. The reasons for his removal have not been officially disclosed.
At the same time, the Financial Times notes that Hegseth has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration’s actions during the chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and has initiated an investigation into those events.
Donahue’s resignation will trigger another wave of turmoil in the US military.
Several former high-ranking military officials told the FT that Hegseth created an atmosphere of fear that spread throughout all levels of the armed forces, right up to the highest leadership.
Pentagon layoffs
Last year, the Pentagon began reducing the number of generals and is preparing to merge combat commands amid reforms by US President Donald Trump.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a 20% reduction in the number of four-star officers, continuing the process of streamlining the Pentagon’s leadership structure.
In April 2026, US Navy Chief John Phelan resigned. The reason was likely a conflict with the Pentagon over his ties to Trump.
