'It is in our interest that Russia is defeated': Former US Commander Ben Hodges | DW News

Republicans in the US Congress is blocking a multi-billion-dollar military aid package that Ukraine urgently needs in its fight against Russia. Can Kyiv expect a release soon? At the Munich Security Conference, DW spoke with the former Commander of the US Army Europe, Ben Hodges.
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#USA #Ukraine #Russia

[@juliesaunders2031]

"The strategic illiteracy of the former President Donald Trump and his enablers is a danger to the United States". End quote.

[@AK-ej5ml]

Well said and, as far as I can see, completely true.

[@maxheadroom1506]

Biden is not that great either. On June 17 2021 he told Putin at a summit that if Navalny dies in prison there would be severe consequences. I'm still waiting to see any action from him. Maybe he forgot what he said because of going senile? Maybe he is just talk and no action. Either way Putin believes even more that he can get away with murder and worse is that the Oligarchs also believe in Putin after not seeing any action from Biden.

[@janeck.8695]

Well said.

[@vinct7023]

@@user-qt7wb4nu1l This is one thing to try something else... this is another to work hard to KEEP one the most dangerous dictatorship (russia) under power and let them win in Ukraine. Cost of helping Ukraine is a fraction of US military budget. Trump does lie all the time, he is worst than well none politician, which have at least common sense about USA interest. Trump attitude does not make US stronger but weaker as EU start to see the true nature of some US politicians: keep russia dictatorship live so they don't even think to join EU org, they see as an economic challenger.

[@spydude38]

General Hodges represents the neo-con war-mongering leftovers from the Cold War. Remember when the Soviet Union collapsed, the West expressed no desire to expand NATO eastward, yet over several decades it did just that. Russia kept telling the U.S. and Europe that it would not tolerate continued expansion to it's borders as it saw this as a threat to Russia. Now we find ourselves supporting Ukraine for it's very existence because those like Hodges who believe their "strategic literacy" is superior to anyone else's views, suffered from Strategic surprise due to their willful ignorance of the world.

[@glennwilkinson5035]

It is so hard to get your head round the fact these Senators have decided to go on holiday, at the 11th hour, and good on you, Ben , for sending a not so thinly veiled threat to these senators.

[@michaelpound4738]

It is not a threat but a reminder that many came to USA to flee Russian Imperialism and then Soviet oppression. It is the House that Mike Johnson has sent on holiday to stall everything. They are trying to kill the US economy because the military aid money is spent in USA and fuels the US economy. NATO armies will not buy over priced weapon systems from USA if Trump pushes anymore. They will do what Poland does

[@SL-sd3sg]

It was Johnson acting for trump.

[@danwells-fn4tj]

Speaker Johnson is the Trump lackey...

[@shadownor]

@@danwelterweight4137 How's Putin's dictate?

[@stream2watch]

@@danwelterweight4137 It is booming due to armaments and money printing, just like the nahtsee one did all during the war. This is not hard to understand for a normal person.

[@ltlmac76]

"...rediscover their spine." Great quote, General. Thank you for your years of service and your spine to say so.

[@nick-4631]

his spine is a crooked as his lies 😅 have faith, Z

[@dust1209]

Ben Hodges is awesome. You will rarely find a public figure as honest and genuine as this man.

[@shadowreaver1851]

Ben Hodges is why we spend more on our deficit then we do on our military because we keep paying for pointless wars that we can't afford and don't solve anything. What a dush bag!

[@dust1209]

@@shadowreaver1851 Nice try Ivan. Whatever english course the FSB gave you obviously didn't include very much nuance. Also, why do they still have you working during the day in St. Petersburg? Shouldn't they have you working nights now to try minimize the timezone giveaway? Russia never learns.

[@hofmanish]

Thank you Ben Hodges for your words. Totally agree with you

[@rouz0]

😂😂

[@maxheadroom1506]

Seems like all the Generals and Colonels are saying the exact same thing but our politicians are not listening.

[@KLRH23]

Delusional 😂

[@bps7209]

@@maxheadroom1506no they’re not. Just the ones that they want you to see. Stop funding death and protect our borders first and foremost.

[@mxolisitshabalala5657]

General Ben Hodges is a dilutional leader like his President Joe, who sick and they forget about their atrocities committed; Thomas Sankare, Qaddafi, Saddam, Kwame Kurume, Steve Biko and many African Leaders who died in hands of US and Collective west.

[@rickyweber2651]

As a natural born US citizen and a registered voter since 1972, I understand how political our government is. My grandfather (mothers dad) survived World War I. My father survived World War II. Both would NOT be happy with how the current US political situation is, and both understand why NATO was created after World War II. Very will spoken Ben Hodges.

[@futte8024]

We in western Europe are in debt to your grandfarther and your farther.

[@itslocane412]

NATO was created to defend Europe, NATO is needed in Europe. And let me remind you that after 9/11 article 5 was initiated for the US and NATO helped the US with their military goals. US needs to be involved in Europe, if Europe falls to Russia. It's a wrap for the US.

[@anarabbasov8634]

@@itslocane412 come on guy, who effected 9/11? Who is financing terroristic groups? No one knows and can not prevent, yes?😁😁😁

[@garythomas4936]

The ONLY purpose of NATO was to defend against the USSR. It no longer exists. Disband NATO!

[@Odinsjewl]

I concur with your position. I am an US citizen living in Europe. Yet The Biden Administration needs to comprimise on the Border issue. Two sides are being stubborn and need to bend! Comprimise is how our government was set up to work...more centrist in action. Not extremists from EITHER side. If comprimise gets a deal done, I have no doubt a bill for Ukraine will be passed!

[@philipkudrna5643]

„Let‘s hope that some Republicans rediscover their spine…“ Great analysis (as always) by Ben Hodges. The US foreign politics need more characters like him!

[@pvsolutions9292]

There are so many commentators but Ben Hodges is at his level. He is top even among generals.

[@georgek1234]

(ret) Lt. Gen. Sir Richard Shirreff is top notch too

[@markobacic1691]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@jhngfdsdfgkjnbv]

I am sure that having such generals in the USA as General Ben Hodges is the worst danger for the USA itself. Even if a plane brought $60 billion to Ukraine tomorrow, they would not be able to immediately go to supermarkets and buy several factories to produce artillery, or hire hundreds of thousands of skilled workers and restart the military-industrial complex, which had always focused on making profit, rather than like the Russians achieving results. a complete misunderstanding of the Russian military industry and Russian military potential, underestimation of the enemy and incorrect planning are leading the NATO bloc to complete shame and degradation. 60 billion dollars in Ukraine are needed only to pay wages for social benefits this year and not to mention the costs of the army and weapons

[@Samirustem]

Man died and he is already thinking about his wife:(

[@nick-4631]

if i could get paid to troll i would too 😅

[@123slither]

Ben Hodges always speaking total sense for the security of Europe, America and Ukraine. We are stronger standing together

[@juliusjustin4813]

Security threat they created?Y u guys always want war war war …Why don’t u guys have some integrity from ur neighbor Russia….

[@jamesparker1071]

Strange that neither Europe, nor Ukraine, or Israel is helping US with the enemies flooding across our border, thanks to Joe, yet they DEMAND more and more of our money.....

[@jtothed8575]

Lol.. this dude is a shill and a paid spokesman for perpetual war for the MIC.. he also said Russian soldiers would run out of food, and missiles.. a year ago..

[@jhorvath700]

Ben Hodges is a fool.

[@stream2watch]

@@jhorvath700 Compared to you, he is a veritable Edison

[@matk2283]

Great admiration to General Ben Hodges. he is always to the point. Dear General, Thank You for your service to our Country. We all salute you.

[@user-oy5mm3pb2g]

How about using his experience to secure US borders instead of wasting billions in Ukraine.

[@bps7209]

Why?

[@Serbian1985]

He is always wrong

[@Srbazo]

Who is he? Another Hollywood general

[@jhngfdsdfgkjnbv]

I am sure that having such generals in the USA as General Ben Hodges is the worst danger for the USA itself. Even if a plane brought $60 billion to Ukraine tomorrow, they would not be able to immediately go to supermarkets and buy several factories to produce artillery, or hire hundreds of thousands of skilled workers and restart the military-industrial complex, which had always focused on making profit, rather than like the Russians achieving results.

[@hillerm]

As an American I find the lack of action on Ukraine to be humiliating.

[@hillerm]

@Tarspit You’re almost as embarrassing as Trump.

[@rdsc.455]

Why most of the American politicians, main stream media and some people have so much interest in the affairs of regions situated thousands miles away from them but remain aloof from their own internal and nearby problems ??

[@hillerm]

@@rdsc.455 They aren’t aloof of their internal problems. It’s possible to solve both. Putin is a foe who can’t be ignored.

[@carlanderson7618]

@Tarspit Outside of the strategic/military implications you don't think what you have to pay for stuff in the US is affected by interference withe grain shipments from the Ukraine or disruption shipping through the red sea? How about an easier concept to grasp? If you have Russia, Iran, North Korea and China on one side of the issue then you know the US should be on the other side.

[@carlanderson7618]

@@rdsc.455 Because what happens over there affects us. Look at the increase in prices you pay for things by disruption of grain shipments from the Ukraine or shipping through the Red Sea. We are global economy 25%of GDP is based imports and exports. We can either be a driving force in foreign affairs or driven by them. To quote somebody "You can either run the show or the show runs you"

[@Akenfelds1]

I've got a lot of time for Lieutenant General Ben Hodges. He is the voice of intelligence, sense, reason, and caution.

[@KiraNt4]

What do you think about his predictions about Ukraine-Russian war, which turned out to be completely wrong?

[@longjohn526]

@@KiraNt4 Exactly what predictions are you talking about?

[@KiraNt4]

@@longjohn526 Ben Hodges has been predicting Ukraine's quick and decisive victory for many months now. He also predicted the success of Ukraine's counter-offensive in 2023, which, as we all know now, achieved nothing.

[@TDMoore]

​@@KiraNt4He has been predicting a quick victory but has repeatedly said that can only happen if we in the free world give Ukraine what they need to win.

[@KiraNt4]

@@TDMoore Such a nice caveat. You can add anything under that condition because "what they need" may include the whole of NATO army with all of its weapons.

[@williamszabo2588]

Thank you Ben Hodges.

[@donatta1857]

For what?

[@she825]

All lies. This guy has been daydreaming from the beginning 😂😂

[@justinfowler5761]

​@@she825how so?

[@Piccyman1]

@@she825DH

[@pachachaz]

For what? 😂😂😂

[@skunkjulio]

"Thank you for the privilege." Ben Hodges, class act.

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

Authoritarian Joe Biden hates MAGA supporters and tries to lock them up!

[@drunkencitizen6168]

'Clap emoji'

[@waynebayer3144]

treasonous

[@Kodakcompactdisc]

He’s brilliant, a true patriot.

[@markobacic1691]

😂😂😂😂

[@jean-marcsalotti999]

Poor understanding leads to bad ideas and bad actions.

[@harmless6813]

You are talking about Putin, I assume?

[@ryuuguu01]

@@harmless6813 I thought it was about Trump and the House MAGA Republicans.

[@JABN97]

@@ryuuguu01both I’d say

[@fafnir4182]

Ben Hodges, as competent and clearly spoken as always. Greetings from Europe!

[@jato62]

General Hodges always in point!

[@univeropa3363]

Just like with the "counter"-offensive in 2023!

[@univeropa3363]

@@joesephsmith7991 😂 He's a slimy propagandist.

[@diasflac0g]

@@univeropa3363 He said that Ukraine would be in Crimea by the end of August 2023 LMAO. He's a fraud.

[@ahmedalsharman]

He is useless about military stratagy and his predictions in Ukraine turn out to be all wrong .

[@univeropa3363]

@@diasflac0g Him and Petreaus.

[@VoteForWomensRights]

It is in our interest! Are you listening republican/maga ? No you’re on vacation!

[@MrWannabeartist]

Yep MAGA is listening. And will fix the problem once in power.

[@VoteForWomensRights]

@@MrWannabeartist well that won’t be happening because they’re not doing anything now. They’re willing to hurt America and us the people because they want power.

[@nnaemekaemmanuel571]

Fix ur country, protect ur border, get homeless people off the streets, get drug addicts off the streets, clean ur streets, Ukraine is not supposed to be ur priority 😂

[@VoteForWomensRights]

@@nnaemekaemmanuel571 we have a do nothing Congress because of Republicans so we can’t do that right now. Not any of it. Not until we get the Republicans/Maga out

[@primalamusica3]

Thank you , DW. I always love to see and listen to the much respected Ben Hodges.

[@StrongKickMan]

Good to see that real American men still exist.

[@justinfowler5761]

​@Tarspitnow, they are cowering in the corner, too scared to defy Trump and his minions

[@philippuhrig3681]

He said men, not humans..

[@AbuBawa-sw1ut]

🤡

[@Hexiad]

Real American men understand that Ukraine is toast.

[@BlueFrenzy]

@Tarspit Just trepanned.

[@williamyoung9401]

I can't imagine a braver person who willingly walks into the lion's den, knowing what awaited him. Navalny has become a true martyr. 😢

[@rouz0]

I know many of them such as Lira, Assange and Snowden 🤦

[@danwelterweight4137]

The US government murdered Jeffrey Epstein and is trying to murder Julian Assange. Zelensky murdered Gonzalo Lira, an American citizen. And you guys didn't even bat an eye.

[@petersarzzs9981]

​@@rouz0tell them

[@andyedison2416]

@@rouz0 None of the 3 you mentioned willing put themselves in the Lions Den. Snowden fled to Russia and has been living a free life. Assange hid out in the London Ecuadorian embassy for years. Lira who, some youtuber who thought he was more important than what he was. lt's laughable that you would even consider those 3 as having the same bravery as Navalny, when all 3 did their best to avoid responsibility for their actions.

[@s1nn1ck]

Navalny FAFO

[@archiearevalo5648]

Adviika has just captured today

[@scottwebb4722]

like the vast majority of people can even place that on a map.

[@candelariazequeida272]

@archiearevalo5648 Esta conferencia del General a qué hora fue allá en Alemania porque no supe a qué hora fue porque yo vivo acá en Estados Unidos y me perdí de la hora a qué hora fue por favor dime

[@candelariazequeida272]

@archiearevalo5648 Esta conferencia del General a qué hora fue allá en Alemania porque no supe a qué hora fue porque yo vivo acá en Estados Unidos y me perdí de la hora a qué hora fue por favor dime

[@candelariazequeida272]

@archiearevalo5648 Esta conferencia del General a qué hora fue allá en Alemania porque no supe a qué hora fue porque yo vivo acá en Estados Unidos y me perdí de la hora a qué hora fue por favor dime

[@halberderdier8073]

Yes, a consequence of the stalemate in US Congress.

[@Serbian1985]

The same general who said “ Ukraine will capture Crimea by end of 2022” He also said Ukraine will have a successful counteroffensive and Russian forces will collapse “

[@stupidburp]

No he said they could achieve such objectives if given the resources to do so. They were not given the resources.

[@gkatava]

Delusional

[@gelmir7322]

Bet he got some huge investments in some military industrial complex business. Must keep this war going.

[@Le_Dislike_Button]

@@stupidburp just two more game changing wunderwaffes

[@Le_Dislike_Button]

Hodges is a "general" who's only combat experience was getting fragged by one of his NCO's. Flag officers in Uncle Shmuel's modern military are effectively indistinguishable from political commissars, and the results show 💩

[@PureBadBreath]

Straight talker is what we need, no slogans, no spin, no deflection, no exaggerations......more of this and most problems would evaporate.

[@tirrere7509]

Well said

[@martintonian8574]

Good interview, good questions, good answers👏

[@jean-marcsalotti999]

Good answers???

[@MTMF.london]

@@jean-marcsalotti999 Yes, do you not understand English?

[@aresus142]

I dont know this man, since Im from Europe, but he sounds very experienced and wise unlike people like Trump or other Democrats or Republicans.

[@andrewjones-productions]

Well, Hodges has what the clowns you describe do not. Real experience in Europe and therefore an understanding of what kind of threat Putin's Russia truly is.

[@sparks1792]

Well of course you think that. All he ever says is we should do it for you 😂😂

[@mastermariner490]

@@sparks1792Go play with your dolls,Igor

[@mastermariner490]

@Tarspit You are lost to,Igor Go play with your dolls instead

[@justinfowler5761]

​@@sparks1792we should do it because it's in the best interest of the United States.

[@wooddogg8]

Right-on, sir!!

[@PG-wz7by]

Ben's comments are always clarifying.

[@glennwilkinson5035]

Ben Hodges has got one of the finest military mines, given half a chance and the American resources, he could have them packing their bags and running for home.

[@skaraborgcraft]

Sure, just like in Afghanistan. Get over yourselves.

[@kartikeyatiwari2502]

I mean it was america who ran from Vietnam and Afghanistan

[@stream2watch]

@@skaraborgcraft Yes. Russia ran from Afghanistan due to US aid.

[@colinobrien3806]

@@skaraborgcraft interesting comment but wouldnt you agree the people of afghanistan were already home ?

[@scottwebb4722]

@@stream2watch and the US ran from Afghanistan due to incompetence in fighting the Taliban, who they ironically armed to defeat the Soviets in the first place.

[@leaveourstatuesalone.3378]

Ben Hodges for President…..Leader of the Free World. On a serious note, why don’t people like himself become our leaders, strong, patriotic and knowledgeable.

[@AmonTheWitch]

oh they do, but the lobbyists warp them or they lose campaign funding going against them

[@datacollector345]

Yeah you mean world of hollywood 😂

[@class.C]

cus ppl know better than to waste billions of dollars and thousands of lives in a pointless war we have no business in lol

[@anarabbasov8634]

What is Free World?

[@user-oy5mm3pb2g]

Is US free?😂😂😂

[@sackratos23]

Fact check: Russia has a GDP of $1.7 trillion, Spain of $1.4 and the Netherlands of $1... Norway isn't even close with 500 billion. Not sure what he meant to say with "Russia's economy is the size of Spain's and not the German or Dutch or Norwegian".

[@georgelugenalt200]

GDP does not neutralize enemy forces. Artillery does. "You can print cash, but you can't print shells"...

[@BloodyPandas]

@@georgelugenalt200 you guess you mean US GDP?

[@oggierock]

The trolls chase the truth. But they live in a lie. Good to see the trolls on here. Means it hits home.

[@catc8927]

Yep. I’ve never seen them flood the zone so aggressively before. Makes me think that they’re terrified of Navalny.

[@randomguy7175]

NAFO trolls right ? 😅

[@Tehui1974]

Well said. 👍

[@timmommens901]

​@@randomguy7175 😊

[@goenzoy712]

Nothing to do with trolls If you are in a conflict you need to look at the conflict If you are in a war you need to do the same Not what my wish thought s are

[@unfamiliarenvironments]

Hodges 2024

[@amorosogombe9650]

Hear hear.

[@Vatnik_tschistilka]

Dude should run. Serving his entire life he would get a lot of Republicans to vote for him

[@timmommens901]

Hear Hear

[@Nuklear_Godzilla]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@moffig1]

Not in 2024 and maybe not for presidency directly but realistically speaking he could be running for the House of Representatives or maybe Senate

[@MegaToyy]

I remember this guy back in February 2022 stating that Russia had only 10 days left before it gassed out. 10 days Karl, 10 long freaking days...

[@bak2back]

If you look back he's called everything wrong so far. Totally political and not a real commander

[@Pierluigi_Di_Lorenzo]

@@bak2backHe's most probably a paid lobbyist for Ukraine. Nothing wrong with that, but he should declare it.

[@redwood1049]

putin said 3 days.... are u sad

[@MegaToyy]

@@redwood1049 well maybe 🤔 I assume that's because zelenski didn't take a memorial selfie with it yet

[@dvforever]

@@redwood1049 Western media said 3 days. Putin never said such nonsense.

[@Tanktaco]

Strategic illiteracy, good way to put it.

[@Dam-a-fence]

"strategic illiteracy" That's the phrase for it. Thank you, sir.

[@Le_Dislike_Button]

Coming from Ben "Crimea before August" Hodges, the utter irony! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Dimo4ka.]

If it's true, the US should increase military production and supply 3.5 million artillery shells. Official's talks shouldn't be separate from their actions.

[@justadude336]

If that happened and Europe matched it the war would be over in a year or two. It’s possible to outmatch the Russian artillery because the west has better radars and artillery that shoots further. They could hunt down the enemy artillery effectively and hunt down enemy armor. Drones could focus solely on the infantry. The tide would shift. Artillery and air defense can win Ukraine the war but only in sizable numbers.

[@Nuklear_Godzilla]

How about you Sell your house and give all your money to Ukraine, and you leave me and my tax money alone. How about that?

[@kennethnlemonwu1294]

​@@justadude336That's how they defeated Taliban in Afghanistan.

[@PLD0VR]

If you don't make Russia weaker you will need to spend more money on being stronger. Having ukraine do the shooting for the US is a bargain and in American interests. Isolationism does not work as has been shown before in history. also note that the money goes directly into the american military complex anyway and feeds the US economy@@Nuklear_Godzilla​

[@stream2watch]

@@Nuklear_Godzilla Your tax money is not yours. It is used for your nation's interest. I pay both through my tax and my donations.

[@endaronelprime6255]

At 3:00 he refers to the GDPs, while the comparison to Russia not being Germany is accurate, stating Norway / The Netherlands is odd as their economy is smaller than Russias. He appears to talk faster than he informs himself

[@raiden24]

He may have been thinking of GDP per capita, given that Norway / The Netherlands are quite small countries. But the point he's trying to make is that the EU as a whole has a GDP that's 9 times larger than Russia. If all European NATO countries spent 2% on defense their combined defense budget would be 3 times larger than Russia's.

[@ux3rg]

I would like to see such smart people in the German parliament like Ben Hodges. greetings from berlin!

[@putinhuylo5404]

For God's sake! Europeans should get together and build their own defense and military infrastructure, equal to the US. Only then we can secure our future.

[@univeropa3363]

You mean ratcheting up the debt for an unsustainable defence budget?

[@Exxperiment626]

​@@univeropa3363Yes. Europe's sovereignty depends on it.

[@univeropa3363]

@@Exxperiment626 Oh sure, an unsustainable dfence budget is going to to allow Europe to take its sovereignty back from America.

[@Blodhelm]

@@univeropa3363 They've already been depending on us doing the same for decades. Must be nice to get universal healthcare or higher education.

[@user-kg4fr9jr7v]

​@@univeropa3363 what could be more unsustainable than build totally unprotected rich society in the woods teeming with wolves around?

[@VL-Video]

wise man with wise words!!!

[@BenjL]

Always a pleasure to listen to Mr Hodges!

[@user-xt5yz8wm7z]

Ok troll 🤣🤣

[@danielraymadden]

Navanly was smiling and in good spirits hours befor...he was murdered...

[@djolivierastro]

Julian Assange faces life imprisonment where is your outrage

[@tobybau575]

​@@djolivierastrobut J.A. has enough to eat and perfect medical treatment.

[@defendandprotect-om5hv]

​​@@djolivierastroI don't support criminal assange.

[@tekannon7803]

Lt. General (Ret.) Ben Hodges speaks truth to power like no one else and his message is always a resounding 'Yes' Ukraine can win its war against Russia. What would be great to see would be General Hodges sitting down with former President Donald J. Trump and letting them both talk about the Ukraine war.

[@datacollector345]

Yeah still live hollywood movies🍿🎥

[@lilymay7171]

@tekannon I’m sure he has more important things to do than give Trump the time of day.

[@jaysonmote]

Keep sleeping and dreaming 😂😂😂

[@user-fp4fz6zy5d]

He's a warmongering puppet for Boeing and Raytheon

[@tekannon7803]

@@user-fp4fz6zy5d GGGGGGGGGGGreat to hear from you. General Hodges is not a pilot!

[@gavindyer2428]

Thank You for this positive report. Russia does not have the Logistics to defeat NATO

[@georgek1234]

But they have friends who would enjoy seeing NATO weakened.

[@ryuuguu01]

They don't have the equipment either. NATO is sending stuff that is generally decades out of date, not the current armor and weapons. Yet Russia still is taking massive losses.

[@Zappina]

@@ryuuguu01 But they have the means. Europe alone is not really a challenge for Russia. Most of the equipment Europe have is not really in a useful condition. However we dont want to see a NATO-Russia direct war. You can be sure it will be the last war you'll ever see.

[@ryuuguu01]

​@@Zappina A) If by equipment you mean strategic nuclear weapons, then yes they have the equipment. B) The OP and I said NATO, not Europe alone. C) Even Europe alone ( which would include France ) could defeat Russia currently. Russia has already lost 1/2 of its tanks and over 1/2 of its BMP (armoured personnel carriers). Russia is now using Unarmoured transport on the frontline with makeshift anti-drone cages on top to transport infantry into battle. In the last 3 days 1/4 of their yearly production of fighter bombers to Ukraine which in not even flying its airforce against them. Both the Russian air force and navy are hiding away from the frontline because they are taking too many losses. Current estimates of Tanks put Russia and Ukraine about equal around 1,500 usable tanks ( mostly Soviet-era tanks) Europe has around 1,500 ( mostly post-Soviet-era tanks). The Russian army is not the Soviet army, the soviet army would have taken Ukraine in days, but Russia has been unable to take it in years.

[@__3800]

​​@@ryuuguu01with such massive losses, why not move in? It would be a field trip, wouldn't it?

[@lisaweber3798]

The House of Representatives in the USA needs to get back to work and get funding for Ukraine.

[@jonasfridolfsson5457]

Finally a intelligent leader from US💪

[@TheVideoRaf]

Hodges is completely right on the issues!

[@AbuBawa-sw1ut]

🤡

[@6Atomic6Rooster6]

As always......clear, concise and always to the point!

[@seanabrams6570]

Ok Russia is a priority. Ok Israel is a priority. What number priority is our border. What priority is homelessness an fentanyl? What priority is the downfall of the quality of life in America?

[@user-1mrndslvd8h]

Biden doesn't help his own citizens, of course he won't help anyone else's. We in Ukraine are worried about your resilience, the border must be closed.

[@user-1mrndslvd8h]

Your country is being destroyed from within. It's the socialists. The same thing is happening here and around the world. Don't be silent, people. Don't let the state apparatus take away your rights.

[@mediapartners9950]

It’s always a pleasure listening to Gen Hodges. He speaks from knowledge and imparts it like a missile with no sugar coating. Well done sir 🫡

[@micksand4704]

If only mr Hodges message will reach out to as many participants of that conference as possible. And help EVERYBODY rediscover their spine! Slava Ukraini, and mr Hodges😊!

[@micksand4704]

@Tarspit Correct! Stopping russian colonialism in Ukraine

[@pennypinchhomefinder7887]

We need facts not assumptions

[@sa4540]

Great interview, sir

[@frgabrielmary4620]

I only wish this guy had more influence or held an office.

[@jj4791]

He is rational, therefore banned from the DNC and of course the Republican party.

[@tamasgyorffy1]

Good interview, Great Man!

[@MysmarttvCloud]

All true!

[@olegryndin1560]

Where is the general???

[@juvenaldasilva413]

In the front line😅

[@alexandershaffer4398]

Hodges has been wrong in every prediction he’s made about the war.

[@bak2back]

He's embarrassed himself. He must be a paid political propagandist to continue with that track record

[@Twister743]

@@bak2backBet he has shares in the military industrial complex.

[@Dan-Martin]

@@bak2backThat or he’s extremely incompetent.

[@Michael-pe5gh]

Ben Hodges is fantastic - we need more people like him

[@realnapster1522]

We would have constant wars due to such warmongers…😢

[@georgek1234]

(ret) Lt. Gen. Sir Richard Shirreff has equal knowledge insight regarding the big picture

[@user-ns1ln9nd6b]

Well said

[@danielwhyatt3278]

This was very good interview here. More like this.

[@suzannegittins9574]

Thank you General Ben Hodges for your service.🙏

[@melodypotter6330]

General Hodges You have this simple way of sharing and explaining information, that is always respectful to all involved. You’re a man of integrity, and honesty while giving excellent advice! Why is it that the West doesn’t see it or perhaps understand the importance of providing what is needed to end this war between Russia and Ukraine. You’re blessed with exceptional intelligent’s and undeniable will!! If you were in charge of these issues, we’d all be in a much better place. I’m very grateful for your dedication and service.

[@paultyson4389]

Very well said as always Ben Hodges!

[@karolleex8980]

Russia: invade Ukraine Ukraine: defend itself Civilized World: help Ukraine Trump,Musk,Orban: we love Russia more than our own family 😂

[@akosbogar1885]

For us Hungarians, our old enemies are the Ukrainians, why would we help them?

[@user-ib9ky2jo9h]

@@akosbogar1885grow a brain and realise ‘old enemies’ means nothing anymore, maybe? You sound like an Orbán voter 😂

[@Azuria969]

yes it does old enemy is RUSSIA obviously

[@QazaqtynUly]

​@@akosbogar1885 according to your logic, then almost each European nation is an old enemy of Hungary or you are nostalgic of Austria-Hungary empire.

[@jivkoyanchev1998]

@@akosbogar1885 Ah, so you forgot about the 1848 failed Hungarian revolution, which the Russians crushed.

[@andreaso.raschendorfer8141]

True words.

[@craigpandoff9410]

Its in our nations best interest to secure the boarder before we get worried about defeating others

[@Dr.-Ing._M]

No, that is just not true, your priorities are warped. Also, republicans refused to "secure" the border against their invented border crisis in order to have at least one moderately successful talking point for Trump to run on. Sad. Also, why do you think the US, who build a military designed to fight a war in Europe and in the Pacific at the same time and win both, should not be able to multitask? And where were the questions about how to fund border security (or the often cited homelessness) when Trump gave billions in Tax cuts to the rich? This insincere whataboutism is just sad.

[@rodhoover9158]

The two are not mutually exclusive.

[@iandorkin1697]

I swear this dude was predicting that the Ukrainian counter offensive would go all the way to Crimea last spring/summer?

[@truthbud]

The overwhelming amount of арргоving and chеегіng comments by ordinary Russians in resроnse to videos deрісting the atrосіties against civilians and prisoners of war in Ukraine were just as shocking to Ukrainians as the war itself. We had somehow grown ассustomed to the war, but the realization of who we have been neighbouring all this time without even knowing it is still horrifying. Those tгоgІоdytes referred to themselves as our brotherly people. One can only imagine what they might do to those they consider their enemies given the орроrtunity. Don't give them that орроrtunity because it's you who they call their enemies. Negotiating with Russia is akin to negotiating with EbоІа. Allowing Russia to remain undefeated is like undertreating a dеаdly infection - it will only return stгоnger. This is why any реасе deal that doesn't ensure a clear victory for Ukraine is just a temроrary сеаsefire.

[@Putindegreat]

Russia can never be defeated 😂

[@truthbud]

@@Putindegreat Ukrainians: hold our beer

[@justincase3828]

@@Putindegreat Bull sh it.

[@kalebthehistorian5928]

@@truthbud How's the greatest fortress in Europe doing? Last I checked, the Ukrainians were running and leaving their wounded for dead as of the time you wrote this comment.

[@RnR-oe7uw]

​@@kalebthehistorian5928Soviet Union lost 15K men during the whole Afghan war. The russians were loosing at least 10K orcs a month only in Avdiivka. The price of the russian meat just plummeted in the last 30 years😱

[@JohnnyD45]

Spot on as usual sir.🫡

[@laopang91362]

Peace will prevail.

[@polybius23]

Hey buddy, should you be saying anything about Gonzalo Lira, the AMERICAN journalist who was tortured to death in a Ukrainian prison?

[@roastntoast7550]

Thanks a lot Mr. General Hodges!💟

[@annerepsch]

General Hodges. Thank you for your continued contributions to Ukraine. Stay with us and Ukraine. 🇺🇦💙💛💙🇺🇦🙏🏼💙💛🇺🇦

[@oxanam210]

😂😂😂 в Авдеевке он уже вам помог

[@thomasbernecky2078]

General Hodges always nails it. I emailed my house rep and told him to enjoy his holidays...

[@user-pr7nl9ug4z]

Заявления США и стран Евросоюза косвенно подтверждают что Навальный был их человеком, а не России. Молодцы.

[@dreinhard52]

I wish Ben Hodges was running the show, here's a guy who knows what hes talking about !

[@MarkyMark1668]

General Hodges is the best of the best

[@jean-marcsalotti999]

For what sport?

[@c.t.9277]

How come Euros dont help????? Where are the EUROS????? ya thats what i thought......

[@eduardselskiy320]

These days it is difficult to imagine that there was a time when politicians and generals spoke the truth, even when they are retired. Although we also don’t know whether they told the truth before.

[@aussie807]

Good work Ben, DW always seems so negative about Ukraine, but when you stand back and look at what Ukraine has achieved against all odds, it is truly a remarkable demonstration of their strength against Russian aggression. Slava Ukraini.🇺🇦🇦🇺🇺🇦🇦🇺🇺🇦🇦🇺

[@MarMar11-]

1. This is not a game. Peoples lives have been lost. 2. The odds were not against Ukraine but Russia. Ukraine was backed up by the UN and the USA. In resources and military equipment. Not to mention the sanctions placed on Russia that did absolutely nothing

[@aussie807]

@@MarMar11- Correct, lives have been lost in an unprovoked war, and definitely agreed on Ukraine, Russia was always going to lose but at great loss to Ukraine.

[@Western_Decline]

Y’all. Ukraine is losing. How is this even debatable?

[@Writeous0ne]

They haven't achieved much. The honeymoon period is over. 1 trillion in aid and donations to lose 20% of their land and destroy their economy with currently no capability to launch offensives that would finish the conflict. I do feel for the Ukrainians though because they have destroyed their country as NATOS doormat

[@kahwheeong871]

​@@Western_DeclineEven if Ukraine is losing now, the real loser is Russia....more than 400k soldiers kill and supposedly the second strongest military in the world. Lot of own blood in Putin hands.

[@s1nn1ck]

Well... good luck with that!

[@thedreamovationway2715]

European president said very clear that Germany must be held outside the conflict in Ukraine. In this episode we learn that the US and Germany is equally invested and responsible in the war.

[@defendandprotect-om5hv]

Russia is 100% responsible. Would you not defend yourself?

[@mbayatab4326]

I would disagree with General Hodges re strategic illiteracy of Trump, though I do agree with him in most cases. European countries should be leading the efforts in helping Ukraine with military, financial and humanitarian aid as the war is taking place in Europe. America should definitely help, but not lead.

[@Zappina]

Well the US was the one who profited from this, not the europeans. In fact europeans are just loosing with this east west conflict.

[@itsgoodforyou4235]

This guy never learns - a pipe dreamer to the extreme.

[@whatwasithinking-jt9nz]

He is paid to be one.

[@avmz111]

And what are you dreaming about, Ivan?

[@bak2back]

He's never got anything right yet. He couldn't command in a real war

[@JustinTimeEnglishClip]

Commander of the US Army Europe, Ben Hodges, speaks with true vision. Future US President, I hope 🙂

[@HenryKlausEsq.]

Ret. Gen. Ben Hodges is a class act.

[@desiebawden61]

What about Julian Assange . 😳🌎

[@TheJohn93226]

Mr. Hodges is a truly insightful and honorable man! 💪💙💙💙

[@WalkOverHotCoal]

Ben Hodges is the eternal optimist. Just like those who fought the many wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq, Hodges belongs to the camp which believe that "given enough time and money, victory will come naturally". That kind of conviction, and perhaps false optimism, has kept America in Afghanistan for 20 years. In the end, Americans "tactically advanced" back to America in the quiet of the night. Perhaps the same tactical move is applicable in Ukraine?

[@cenewton3221]

I'm an American taxpayer. To date we have sent well over $120 billion to Ukraine. The current bill in Congress seeks to send another $60 billion. All of this is funded by debt. We currently are indebted by $32 TRILLION. So we're borrowing more money to send to Ukraine (and Israel)? That makes no sense. We have plenty of matters here at home that are far more important than Ukraine/Russia. And this guy here, all he seems to care about is meddling in the affairs of every country across the world. The US House will NOT pass this bill. It's not going to happen.

[@IAm-NotHear]

Yeah, and I'm Donald Duck

[@geodezix]

why is it so hard for some americans -- and congressmen -- to understand this?

[@janeck.8695]

I wish all politicians were like Ben Hodges; we'd have a much better world.

[@burprobrox9134]

He’s not a politician, so he hasn’t lost his sense of direction yet

[@realnapster1522]

We would have constant wars due to such warmongers…😢

[@cristianheredia4454]

Isn't this the same guy who said that Ukrainian army would be in Crimea at the end of August 2023?

[@KayCee777]

Yeah well foolishly, like me, he trusted "As much as it takes, for as long as it takes"...

[@Pierluigi_Di_Lorenzo]

@@KayCee777No, he has predicted a Russian collapse several times. His overoptimistic assessments have done Ukraine a disfavor, many politicians have listened to him (the German Chief of Staff for example got fired because he had a different opinion), and provided a false sense of security. Now after the failed Summer offensive politicians slowly realize that a major effort is needed to keep Ukraine in the war.

[@war-painter]

If the weapons from USA came as promised including the F-16s. Before the beginning of last summer. This was when the GDSLBs were supposed to be arriving in June, and ATACMs were on the table, it was all “as long as it takes” and republicans were still Republicans and not russians, as they are now. Y’all are gonna regret this when we get the next future “event”. Can’t trust Putler.

[@KayCee777]

@@Pierluigi_Di_Lorenzo "Slowly realise"? A major effort was needed 2 years ago! At which point, the Russians may have failed. Instead Ukraine's "allies" have failed to make much effort at all.

[@Pierluigi_Di_Lorenzo]

@@KayCee777Exactly. Two (and even one) years ago Hodges claimed the Russians were running out of ammunitions, missiles, manpower and morale. Instead, 'a major effort was needed two years ago' as you say. It didn't happen - thanks to Hodges.

[@guciodestroyer2432]

I completely agree with General Hodges, but I have a question for German readers: Since you support Ukraine and are against authoritarian regimes, why did your government take advantage of the destabilisation of Poland by supporting EU sanctions and supporting an aggressive left-liberal opposition to overthrow the legitimate authorities of Poland at a time when this government was so strongly supporting Ukraine by all means? Second question - your government succeeded in changing Poland's conservative-patriotic government and installing Tusk in Warsaw - why do you support the authoritarian actions of this newly formed government, which does not respect Polish law, the constitution and represses the current opposition? I have noticed that surprisingly your "free and independent" media have become silent about what is currently happening in Poland.

[@armadspengler2717]

LOL, there was a free and fair election in Poland getting rid of the Pis party and its criminal onslaught on democratic principles of separation of powers. The voters were just fed up with the corrupt former ultra catholic-nationlist government.

[@Flernaffinor]

I kinda with Hodges was running for president. It would be nice to have a serious and clear-headed person as president.

[@peterderidder9922]

Hodges is always straight to the point ! ! all Germans AND Americans should do a peacefull protest on the streets ! just to tell there gouverment this is NOT oke !

[@charliegrech2026]

This man is legendary

[@moffig1]

As a German Im grateful to the US for helping Europe. I hope they can pass the 61 billion Ukraine aid bill soon.

[@ioannisdimakis7460]

Where has general Hotzes earned his stars?Where has he fought?

[@HenryKlausEsq.]

"general Hotzes" is famous for calling in an airstrike on his own position to kill Lord Admiral Xerxes of Neptune which was subsequently bombed with hotdogs for 72 hours. Hotzes emerged victorious on a mountain of stale buns and decaying sausages + condiments to declare "Russian bots are annoying, but strategic American hotdog bombings are more annoying for our enemies". (took bite from hotdog with good amount of caramelised onions, dijon and some variant of tomato sauce to great applause) Inspirational. Relatable.