Retired US General Ben Hodges Discusses Ukraine War and Future Relations Under Trump Administration
The Kyiv Independent recently held an interview with General Ben Hodges, a retired US Army commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. The discussion centered on the ongoing war in Ukraine, the change in policy under President Joe Biden’s administration, and the future outlook under the incoming President Donald Trump.
Shift in the White House Policy
Reports on November 19 indicated that Ukraine had launched attacks within Russia using ATACMS missiles supplied by the US. This action marked a significant shift in White House policy, as President Joe Biden granted Ukraine permission to deploy these missiles. The move is seen as one of Biden’s last major contributions to the Ukraine war before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on January 20.
Gen. Ben Hodges on the ATACMS Authorization
Gen. Ben Hodges expressed his uncertainty over what triggered the policy change but welcomed it. However, he noted his frustration over the restrictions that still applied to the use of the missiles, which were only permitted against Russian and North Korean forces attacking the Kursk beachhead.
When asked about the potential effects of this policy change on the ‘rules of the game’, Gen. Hodges stated that only a firm commitment from the Biden administration and European governments to help Ukraine win the war would truly change the game. He suggested that Ukraine could use these weapons to target Russian headquarters, logistics, and artillery, thus reducing the effectiveness of Russia’s mass attacks.
Impact of Trump’s Administration on Ukraine
Gen. Hodges voiced his uncertainty regarding the incoming Trump administration’s stance towards Ukraine. He expressed hope that pro-Ukraine, pro-NATO, and pro-transatlantic Republican Party leaders in Congress would emphasize to the new administration the importance of the United States not abandoning Ukraine. Gen. Hodges also expressed doubts about Trump’s claims to end or freeze the war in 24 hours and suggested that the Trump administration might change its tone once faced with the reality of the situation.
Ukraine’s Territory in the Kursk Region
Gen. Hodges supported Ukraine’s decision to launch the Kursk counteroffensive. He believes it creates a problem for the Kremlin, both in terms of whether to commit forces to remove the beachhead and in terms of initiating negotiations. However, he emphasized that Trump cannot impose a freeze on the conflict and that the idea of Trump imposing a ceasefire is unlikely.
Trump’s Leverage Against Putin
According to Gen. Hodges, the incoming president will have many tools to leverage against Putin. These include imposing sanctions, taking action to stop Russia from exporting oil and gas to China and India, and accelerating the delivery of ATACMs. However, whether Trump will use these tools remains to be seen.
The Role of Europe
Gen. Hodges believes that Europe, with its large economy, can fill the gap if US aid to Ukraine slows down. However, this will depend on Europe’s political will. He also expressed his belief in Ukraine’s ultimate victory, based on the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian soldiers and people.
About Gen. Ben Hodges
Gen. Frederick Benjamin “Ben” Hodges is a retired United States Army general who was the commander of Allied Forces Europe. He served in the Airborne (101st Airborne Division) and was deployed to the theaters of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
