Europe should be able to “discover its strategic backbone” in supporting Ukraine, General Ben Hodges told TVP World in an interview.
Hodges, who commanded the United States Army in Europe before retiring, also criticized pro-Russian rhetoric in U.S. political discourse and expressed skepticism about ongoing peace talks.
“The Russians are absolutely not interested in a legitimate negotiated outcome of this conflict,” he said, emphasizing that all demands have been placed on Ukraine rather than Moscow.
Hodges also dismissed the idea of China joining peacekeeping efforts, calling it a “colossal mistake” that could allow Beijing to control strategic resources. Instead, he urged European nations to take the lead, arguing that Europe’s economic and military power surpasses Russia’s.
Gen. Hodges is optimistic that “Europe will discover its strategic backbone and do what needs to be done here to help Ukraine.”
On military aid, Hodges welcomed Germany’s potential delivery of Taurus missiles and emphasized the need for clear strategic objectives. He also warned that any Black Sea ceasefire would require enforcement to prevent Russian violations.
Watch the full interview above.
“The Russians are absolutely not interested in a legitimate negotiated outcome of this conflict,” he said, emphasizing that all demands have been placed on Ukraine rather than Moscow.
Hodges also dismissed the idea of China joining peacekeeping efforts, calling it a “colossal mistake” that could allow Beijing to control strategic resources. Instead, he urged European nations to take the lead, arguing that Europe’s economic and military power surpasses Russia’s.
Gen. Hodges is optimistic that “Europe will discover its strategic backbone and do what needs to be done here to help Ukraine.”
On military aid, Hodges welcomed Germany’s potential delivery of Taurus missiles and emphasized the need for clear strategic objectives. He also warned that any Black Sea ceasefire would require enforcement to prevent Russian violations.
Watch the full interview above.