Staff Reports
Retired Army Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges believes that President Joe Biden’s administration is failing Ukraine by providing just enough military support to prevent it from losing, but not enough to secure a victory. In a recent interview with the Washington Examiner, Hodges, a former commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe and ex-head of NATO’s Allied Land Command in Turkey, revealed his frustrations with the current state of affairs.
Hodges adamantly asserts that Ukraine’s victory over Russia is not only possible but essential for the strategic interests of the United States and Germany. He emphasizes the historical pattern of Russia’s expansionism and underscores the importance of supporting Ukraine to prevent further aggression from the Kremlin.
Despite a prevailing pessimistic narrative, Hodges argues that the defeatist tone is not based on the actual facts on the ground. He highlights Russia’s limited control of Ukraine, the inadequacies in their air force and navy, and the significant human and material losses they have suffered over the years. Hodges is confident that with proper support, Ukraine has the potential to emerge victorious in the conflict.
Hodges suggests that 2024 could be the turning point for Ukraine if the West and Ukraine focus on industrial competition, ramping up ammunition, maintenance, and new systems, which he believes can outpace Russia’s capabilities. He stresses the need for long-range, precision weapons to counter Russian forces and emphasizes the significance of making Crimea untenable for Russian operations.
In response to concerns about the lack of long-range weapons for Ukraine, Hodges dismisses the notion that the U.S. and Europe lack the manufacturing capacity, criticizing Sen. J.D. Vance’s perspective as “embarrassingly strategically illiterate.” He argues that it ultimately comes down to priorities and asserts that the U.S. and Europe have the capacity to do more if they prioritize supporting Ukraine.
Addressing the potential impact of F-16s joining the Ukrainian air force, Hodges cautiously refrains from labeling it as a game-changer but acknowledges its potential to neutralize Russian air power. He also emphasizes the need for Ukraine to address its personnel system and attract more military-aged individuals into the armed forces to prevent dangerous attrition.
Finally, Hodges expresses concerns about the potential return of former President Donald Trump, whom he describes as “unpredictable and undisciplined,” posing a threat to stability and security in Europe. Despite this, he remains hopeful that Ukraine, with superior will over Russia, can overcome the logistical challenges with adequate support from the U.S. and Europe.
