Exclusive interview with Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges | Ukraine: The Latest | Podcast

Today, we have an exclusive interview with retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of the United States Army, Europe. One of the world's leading military commentators on the war in Ukraine, we discussed why he's so optimistic Crimea can be retaken by Ukrainian forces; how the West can win the logistical war; and the short-and-long term Foreign Policy mistakes that made the conflict possible.
Subscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest
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[@marcm.]

I always love the interviews with general Ben Hodges.

[@daydays12]

me too. He is a good man and knows what he is talking about.

[@lenwilkinson672]

@@daydays12 What a laugh.

[@damienpace7350]

He's a total boss

[@williamanderson8932]

❤❤❤

[@WackadoodleMalarkey]

To paraphrase some Wallstreet tycoon, I want him to be president, I just don't want him to go through the process of becoming president

[@hinefamily7565]

As an Ex 30 year vet who served in the Ranks, Hodgers would be one of the most honest (In thought and speech) I have ever had the pleasure to listen too. I will never get to meet him, but wish him all the best.

[@Maja-Danmark]

Hodges has been consistent on the topic of Crimea. And he makes sense, too.

[@christheodorou3646]

Very true he has been consistently WRONG on the topic of Crimea and he makes zero sense also.😅

[@gonzalvedecordoue5486]

Hodges has been consisten to destroy Irak , Lybia, Syria; kill many thousands of civilians, remove Kosovo from Serbia...........And of course with UK acting like a puppet.

[@TzunSu]

@@christheodorou3646 So many bots in these comments.

[@danieldach4697]

The commencement of the counterattack will take place irrespective of whether Ukraine is equipped with the required weapons and F-16s on time. The potency of the Russian army is not as substantial as it may seem. By utilizing Western armaments, Russia's position is severely compromised.

[@Maja-Danmark]

@@TzunSu The correct word is trolls. But yeah, they're very triggered. It must be hard to be on the losing side.

[@barrykemp8230]

One of the most informative commentators out there.

[@prof_kaos9341]

As an experienced commander of forces in Europe Gen Hodges has always been an informed commentator. He has been consistent in what he says & is yet to be proved wrong.

[@tad27612]

lol. With the lies he was telling in this, it's surprising his nose isn't 2-meters long.

[@TzunSu]

@@tad27612 And which lies would that be, specifically?

[@danieldach4697]

Ukraine's military is currently proficiently protecting itself and poised to recover its territories. To accomplish this, the Armed Forces of Ukraine require a substantial number of weapons. With the assistance of Western armaments, Russia's position is severely undermined.

[@alexhidell4546]

Hodges only says what he is told to say--which is upholding a phony narrative.

[@paulgibbon5991]

@@alexhidell4546 Low-effort vagueposting.

[@dannypipko8033]

I heard a lot of ben Hodges interviews but this was the most interesting.i don't know if it's because of the interviewer or the length but that was the best Ben Hodges interview so far

[@damienpace7350]

There were a lot of good topics. Not just covering the same old ground.

[@thechancellor3715]

Actually surprised how good the Telegraph interviewer was, asking intelligent well considered questions and then allowing General Hodges to complete his answers. Usually shy away from this radio format.

[@larsrons7937]

@@thechancellor3715 I very much agree. This was an excellent interview, especially allowing Ben Hodges to talk and finish without interruption. And a broad array of topics.

[@thomasbernecky2078]

Generals Hodges and Petraeus are the US Generals I always listen to, trust, along with Perun.

[@abatesnz]

He's doing well that young Aussie, isn't he? And the sarc smattering is about right too.

[@XxBloggs]

General Perun is definitely the man

[@samsungtap4183]

Yes they did such a great job in Iraq. Normal American stuff won the battle and lost the war. In my country Vietnam they they say they won every battle but lost the war ?

[@Djamonja]

@@samsungtap4183 What do they have to do with Vietnam? And I don't think Gen Hodges ever had much control over what happened in Iraq. Petraeus did, but I don't think anyone could have made Iraq turn out great.

[@Werrf1]

It's always a pleasure and a privilege to hear from Gen. Hodges. He's always kind, respectful, insightful, and deeply knowledgeable; a consummate professional.

[@charliec5339]

This man has been saying from the first months onward that Ukraine will win. Always a pleasure to listen to his insights and thoughts on the current state of this war.

[@marioformosa4259]

Yes losing against a private army in Bakhmut doesn't count. What counts us that no Ukrainian leaves Ukraine. Apart from the 14 million who left

[@RenegadeSound]

@@marioformosa4259 Ukraine has lost nothing nothing it can't win back

[@danieldach4697]

Every day, Ukrainian soldiers continue their resolute defense against the occupying forces' aggression and gradually reclaim their territory. The counteroffensive signifies a certain progress towards the liberation of Ukraine. At this very moment, Ukraine is eliminating a considerable amount of Russian artillery.

[@TheTsarev]

​@@danieldach4697😂 of course

[@tubthump]

@@danieldach4697 which counter offensive is that?

[@RogerBuffington]

General Hodges is the best in the business. A superb interview.

[@JoeyCarb]

Gen Hodges has been great on the Ukraine war. Very current knowledge on Europe, and a super humble guy. He's even been open about things he got wrong.

[@hape3862]

I could listen to Gen. Hodges all day long.

[@mst7155]

General Hodges making sense of the war in Ucraine and his general insights on geopolitics and conflicts....One of the best interviews from the perspective of a military leader .

[@goatmealcookies7421]

Deterrence is expensive. When successful, its cost is monetary. When failed, it costs lives. I know which I prefer. Gen. Hodges is absolutely fantastic Innis analysis, and I find his opinion heartening.

[@SandmanAlpha4]

Ukrainians are amazing people. I can't wait to have them in NATO.

[@petermitchell6348]

The people are fine, their military is almost none existent! Wiped out by a far superior force.

[@lenwilkinson672]

@@gonzalvedecordoue5486 So where Ken Dodds Diddy men.

[@jessewhittemore784]

So come 2025, were gonna be importing Ukrainian vets to train US troops at trench/drone warfare

[@jessewhittemore784]

Tbh were already doing that quietly

[@russellclark933]

​@@gonzalvedecordoue5486 bññññhñ

[@jeannettejordan7104]

Excellent interview. Gen Ben Hodges is always spot on with his assessments. Enjoyed. Thanks

[@markaxworthy2508]

Another analogy is Mussolini's invasion of Greece. He had previously been successful in Albania without significant resistance and he assumed political in fighting in Greece would paralyse national motivation and mobilisation. He was wrong, just as Putin, having had an easy ride in Georgia and Crimea assumed Ukraine would be too divided to mobilise an effective resistance. He, also, was wrong. The difference is that Mussolini was rescued by Hitler. Nobody looks likely to try to rescue Putin.

[@damienpace7350]

Thanks for the shout out to Australia and New Zealand General

[@Werrf1]

That's what I've noticed about General Hodges - he's always ready, even downright _eager,_ to give credit to allies in other countries. It's always a pleasure to hear from him

[@terenceballands3321]

Excellent interview!🔥✊️🇺🇦

[@herx2429]

I could listen to LTG Ben Hodges all day a very knowledgeable & articulate man so he says Ukraine will win I believe it as he hasn't deviated from this belief. 🇺🇦💪🇦🇺

[@cabanford]

Seems a very solid and balanced man. Like his opinions. Wish people like this would run for political office, instead of the "popular" cretins we only seems to get

[@markb8468]

I agree. I think the reason for that is it takes a very humble and dedicated person to run for office that is not there simply as a career move or because they crave power. Our system seems to select for the later.

[@tomk3732]

Seems like he is spewing propaganda. Most of what he says does not make any logical sense.

[@joshuap9580]

The telegraph must set some sort of record for the most advertisements in a podcast!

[@lexas1]

The general is the most knowledgeable and eloquent public expert we have on the war.

[@Mark13091961]

Listening to Gen Hodges is always time well spent, but this was outstanding observation and commentary. The quality of question drew the best from the General, making use of his tremendous insight. Superb

[@Prufrock888]

Great as always

[@tomk3732]

Total comedy.

[@roverboat2503]

I didn't realise today was a bank holiday. That might be the reason that I am the only person at work this morning. (Which is also why I'm on line listening to this!)

[@abatesnz]

Working hard or hardly working?

[@csmiller5221]

It's Memorial Day weekend on my side of the pond. What's up in Great Britain?

[@philipmain5701]

@@csmiller5221 On the 16th of June it is Father's Day - the only day in the year when it is not Mother's Day.

[@GEOsustainable]

It is Memorial Day in America, that is why everyone else is taking a bank day. Our banks are closed. It is a very important day here. We take this day to remember our own fallen American soldiers. But we don't give military parades, we do something normal like throw a cookout, get drunk and play pathetic football. Oh, and it is a big car sale day.

[@nigvause7630]

I made the same mistake. I wondered at first why the roads were so quiet, then why I could find any staff at work, and then someone asked me why I was at work!!! haha. So I sat and had a coffee and listened to this great interview.🤣

[@missprice7215]

Great interview, made the point that governments have to set the agenda for the military to succeed, as it should be in democracies. Excellent thought-provoking discussion with Lt. General Ben Hodges who was articulate, clear and knowledgeable. The questions were also very good! uk

[@theveryfirst]

Excellent analysis. Always listen to Ben Hodges whenever he speaks. Proud of him too!

[@torpedospurs]

Incredible that a general can talk about the US producing 25,000 rounds of artillery shells a year as some kind of success. That's five days of ammo that Ukraine uses up!

[@andyjackson2901]

This interview is pure propaganda.

[@tomk3732]

It's called propaganda.

[@Laura-S196]

Excellent interview!

[@tomk3732]

Totally fun, like stand up comedy. 😂

[@csmiller5221]

Outstanding interview. Is anyone in Congress and the White House listening?

[@PELEGON1]

By God I hope so.

[@JH-vw2wp]

Excellent and hopefully accurate analysis of Ukraine's likelihood of victory. Proud to hear that UK has been leading the way in actual support of Ukraine from the beginning.

[@allanjmacleod6438]

Ben is the best of the best...great interview! I like how ben explains his views with concise logic!

[@paulmes7667]

thanks for the latest thoughts from General Hodges; a good man.

[@brianregan5053]

The idea that Ukraine (that is, the Washington snake pit) is going to win the Ukraine proxy war is delirium.

[@andyjackson2901]

This interview is pure copium.

[@ARIXANDRE]

I can listen to Col. Hodges all day. Such a bright and insightful military strategist.

[@tedzehnder961]

I think he is Lt. General.Some of the better ones come from the South.

[@tomk3732]

Comedian. Should do stand up.

[@pastorDbow]

Great interview! Hodges is in my top three experts!

[@davidstringer8711]

As a Kiwi living in Australia, I thank the General for his kind recognition of the effect of Gallipoli on our two countries. This man surely is the clearest and wisest voice on matters military. This man is the Clausewitz of the 21st century.

[@D5Pasadena]

Fabulous episode! Great to have Gen Ben Hodges on the show!

[@psaint60]

Great stuff. I would love to hear Hodges again as a regular guest.

[@pastorDbow]

Hodges is right about Cremea, first Ukraine turn Cremea into a 'Snake Island', in which occuptation or military opperations will become untenable. Once it is untenable, special forces and small mobile units of Ukraine could operate in Cremea. Then ships will sail with lower risk, along with other assets coming into play.

[@meng-hsuanlee8543]

Putin just made it easier: he just cut off the water supply to Crimea by blowing up that dam. Good job.

[@annejames2442]

Greatly admired Mr (Lt.Gen.) Ben Hodges since the start. I truly hope he whispers a few truths and suggestions into the ears of Pres. BIDEN!! Maybe it will help to end this horrible unnecessary war sooner than later.

[@RAYRICHARDRAYRICHARD-ck4wy]

Hello Anne James

[@gerisaunders6987]

Thanks for all of the updates - even on your countless Bank Holidays!

[@hhKJgf1M8a0rzt8hP]

Outstanding podcast, it was an absolute pleasure listening. Keep up the great work guys

[@larsrons7937]

I bookmarked this podcast and will listen to it one more time in a week or two. One of the best podcasts I've heard.

[@tonyportcullis488]

Ben Obi Wan Hodges Voice of victory Slava Ukraini ❤

[@wegder]

Excellent

[@nightfallgaming535]

Thanks for the exclusive interview.

[@Renatozirigui]

Renato here... from Brazil. Frequently listening to this. thanks for the podcast.

[@Teak701]

Ben Hodges and Ben Wallace are two of the clearest and most honest voices in this war. I hope the decision makers in the West are listening carefully.

[@JohnAtkinson-wl2bw]

Good Video. Gen Ben Certainly knows his stuff.

[@chrisperry8684]

Excelllent interview!

[@barryhamm3414]

The big question now is whether the Russian Empire can survive its forthcoming military defeat.

[@bansheep1]

Exactly 💯

[@prof_kaos9341]

We are a wee way off that. As stated the West needs to work for a Ukrainian win, to stop shackling Ukraines response & stop drip feeding its support. All they do is give Putin the initiative. Imagine if they'd given the tanks & F-16s 6 months ago.

[@jamesgreen1116]

Russia aren't going to be defeated ;)

[@prof_kaos9341]

@@jamesgreen1116 modern wars are won by industrial capacity. If Russian industrial capacity is greater than the Ukraine & its 50 allies Russia will win, if not Russia is stuffed.

[@guadalupecross171]

Enjoyed listening to General Ben Hodges reflection on the latest from the Ukraine War against Russia

[@butchfriday]

It’s always great to listen to Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges. I wish he was U.S. President.

[@claireanddexter]

Fantastic interview . Many thanks.

[@j.d.snyder4466]

What a tremendous guy Ben Hodges is and the interviewer was super sharp. A most excellent 35 min. When stories first aired about all the stuff coming to Ukraine from Poland, I figured it's just a matter of time before the Russians start taking out supply convoys and that would've brought havoc to the Ukrainian effort. So glad that never happened and General Hodges explained the situation clearly and concisely. Slava Ukraine🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@belwynne1386]

Wow! Excellent interview. Pls hav Gen. Hodges on more frequently!

[@darkbunny7948]

Viva Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@MuhammadRidwan-pe7ny]

sadly it will be destroyed maybe in 2 years

[@Muddy283]

@@MuhammadRidwan-pe7ny fortunately your post is not going to age well. not at all well.

[@Muddy283]

@@MuhammadRidwan-pe7ny Here's one reason among a thousand why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joHQqZSEmpykh9U

[@paulgibbon5991]

@@MuhammadRidwan-pe7ny Wasn't it going to fall in three days? Continue coping.

[@renatob9909]

I am proud of Zelensky, who decided not to flee and to punch the bully in the nose

[@tomk3732]

What about Putin punching Zieliński back for occupying Donbas?

[@joebott3728]

General Hodges is brilliant , lazer focused & an incredible communicator. I hope Pres.Biden listens to this. "Ukrainian:The Latest" is powerful..unquestionably the premiere informative podcast on the Ukrainian Russian war

[@philipjones9112]

The age old proverb " a house divided cannot stand " perfectly describes Russia"s military and civilian leadership debacle as it relates to morale of its primarily untrained conscripted and poorly led army and its ability to fight ! I believe that if its defense lines start to collapse it may create a domino affect similar to the Kharkiv offensive !

[@janeward8293]

Was a privilege listening to Ben Hodges. Love his insights and broad knowledge of historic events. Well done.

[@johnnolan6777]

absolutely the best episode, incredible piece, so much in this, so wide ranging and thought provoking

[@VDD-2766]

He is a great guest!

[@davidmullens2464]

Great to hear General Hodges here in Italy. Some of your other casts have seemed light-weight, particularly in comparison with Times Radio. Interviewing your own journalists doesn't really hit the mark.

[@aeophylus]

The opposite of Ben Hodges is Doug McGregor . One is an optimist and the other a realist in its respective order

[@blackcatdungeonmastersfami5311]

They're both propagandists who exaggerate but McGregor has at least called the winning side.

[@MyDogmatix]

I’ve been wondering who could replace Biden or the vice president. Hodges for President-2024!!! Go Hodges go! Great on message and I would think his practical military mind will help the US immensely and he no political baggage. Perfect for what red hats and no hats need right now.

[@robertsteele474]

Yeah! Get rid of the middleman! All taxes and profits must go directly to the MIC!

[@bennyk3799]

Ben is an A1 guest #bravo

[@judgeroybean6930]

Seems to have his finger on the pulse and what a Gentleman!

[@gregb3457]

Excellent interview. Good job.

[@Aussie_T]

It's almost redundant to introduce Lt Gen Ben Hodges ret, I do understand the necessity! Just saying! Slava Ukraini 💙💛🇺🇦 VPDFO

[@melaniebrinson2365]

Hey, now. I'm 36 and have done two riverboat cruises down the Danube...

[@charlesmackey8179]

Great interview!

[@JonniePolyester]

I wish America could elect sensible (& sane) people the likes of Ben Hodges & Lloyd Austin as their presidents!

[@jeffreylebowski3216]

Absolutely fantastic stuff, Francis!

[@mickdundee2642]

Just love listening to Ben Hodges...much respect Slava Ukraini

[@rrr9308]

Great interview, thanks 👍

[@W.Khairi]

Excellent as always,Thank u very much.

[@catfishcave379]

Always enlightening to listen to Lt Gen Hodges.

[@jhkuno88]

The only bad thing about listening to a Gen. Hodges interview is that it ends at some point

[@katewoolf6059]

❤ Gen Ben

[@sygma1601]

Ben Hodges is my spirit animal.

[@davidsayer9606]

Gen.Ben, always worth listening to his analysis

[@jordanaus75]

I vote Ben Hodges for President

[@robertsteele474]

Yeah! Get rid of the middleman! All taxes must go directly to the MIC and 100% profits to the big guy!

[@sherrillwhately7586]

My favorite 🤩 General!! 💛💙🇺🇦🇺🇸

[@James-tq8go]

I volunteered in Ukraine for 7 months all up & down the front. Not once did I see a helicopter or fixed wing. Not once (that I know of) no train, train hub, or train station was bombed or disrupted.

[@GenTVR]

What a fantastic speaker!

[@MarcoDollenz]

great interview

[@mikekenney1947]

General Hodges is the real deal. He understands the forces at work. Leadership rejects yes men

[@scottyjzer3111]

where can I watch this without adds, its getting ridiculous

[@michaelneuwirth3414]

One reason for the Russian invasion on 24 February 2022 was that without control of the Ukrainian mainland, Crimea was no longer a better anchorage for the Black Sea Fleet. Drinking water even had to be brought in via canals from the Ukrainian side to supply the fleet base, but this connection was cut off after the Russian occupation in 2014. Especially under wartime conditions, the areas now occupied by the size of Portugal can only be held by the Russian army at great expense. Presumably, around 300,000 to 400,000 Russian soldiers must currently be permanently stationed in Ukraine just to prevent a victorious Ukrainian counter-offensive. The Russian Federation would have to maintain this effort not only in 2023, but also in 2024, 2025, 2026, etc., if it wanted to hold or possess these territories permanently. No matter how much propaganda, authoritarian will and real violence speak for the continued occupation of Ukraine, the lost colonial wars of the 20th century show who will ultimately lose this war.

[@VladimirStevanoviclennon33]

What British tenks? Whole army had 250, now reduced to 152, and live force from 80.000 to 70.000?!

[@andyjackson2901]

This interview is pure propaganda. He just said that the US increased their production of shells to 25k per year. Russia can fire off twice that amount in a day.

[@janniemeyer9951]

One of the best Conversations with Gen Hodges

[@larry77117]

We truly enjoy listening to this BOSS of Bosses! luv our USA ARMY

[@KevinKoontz]

Where do I sign up? I know many retired US military who think Russia is clearly going to win. But all the soccer moms support UKRAINE, AND I love soccer moms..

[@user-ws9fu3wm4e]

I especially love when he refers to "my President "...

[@evimccarthy5582]

General Hodges💪💪💪🙌🙌🙌👏👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏💪💪💪💪💪

[@nikoforu]

I appreciate his consistent and expert input, but I find him way too optimistic. But on the flipside, in a few months, we will see if he was right all along.

[@niklaswikholm514]

Kerch bridge is KEY

[@palemedes965]

Great discussion. I especially love the aspects of the Ukrainian conflict that cover the strategic and tactical parts. General Hodges is a great guest to cover those areas. Keep these types of guests on your show.