Pentagon removes general involved in coordinating Ukraine support

The Pentagon abruptly removed Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commander of the U.S. Army's V Corps, which helps coordinate American military operations in Europe and support for Ukraine, ABC News reported on Aug. 7.

Costanza was relieved of command within the past several days, even though his tenure was expected to end in about two months, a U.S. Army spokesperson said.

The reason for the decision remains unclear.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Feltey had already been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to succeed Costanza in a planned change of command in October, ABC News reported.

Costanza's removal comes amid sweeping changes among the U.S. military's senior leadership.

More than two dozen senior officers have been fired or removed from their positions during Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's tenure, with the reasons for many of the decisions never publicly explained.

A source familiar with the situation, however, said Costanza's removal was unrelated to Hegseth's broader effort to reshape the U.S. military leadership and was not politically motivated.

Costanza had commanded V Corps since April 2024. He previously led the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Brig. Gen. John B. Mountford, who previously served as V Corps deputy commanding general for readiness, is temporarily serving as acting commander.

V Corps is responsible for commanding U.S. ground forces and coordinating American military operations in Europe, ABC News noted.

Some of its units are based in Poland, and the corps has taken on a greater role since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, helping coordinate U.S. support for Kyiv and maintain the American military presence on NATO's eastern flank.

The removal also comes as the Pentagon reduces the U.S. military footprint in Europe.