The Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meetings were begun by Hegseth's predecessor Lloyd Austin after Russia launched its all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"Secretary Hegseth plans to virtually attend the UDCG on Friday, April 11th," the defense official said on condition of anonymity, without providing further details.

Washington has reduced its role in the meetings since US President Donald Trump -- a critic of aid to Ukraine -- took office in January, with Britain chairing the UDCG for the first time in February.

The United States has provided tens of billions of dollars in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia began its invasion more than three years ago, but has not announced a new package for Kyiv since Trump began his second term.