Former commander of the US Army in Europe: Romanians should assume that if Russia is making the decision to attack NATO, this means that it has already decided to launch hundreds of drones, rockets and bombs on the port of Constanța, infrastructure, civil targets
Ben Hodges withdrawal general during the time he was at the command of American forces in Europe, photo: Attila Kisbenedek / AFP / Profimedia
General Lieutenant in retreat Ben Hodges, former US Army commander, spoke about the threat represented by Russia, in an interview for Antena 3 CNN, and offered some tips for Romania in the context of current security challenges. At the same time, he praised our country for the “heavy decision” of “a few months ago” and for organizing “successful choices” in May 2025.
Asked what will happen to the American military presence in Europe, given the statements of the Trump administration, he reminded of the recent statements of Christopher Cavoli, the head of the US European Command and NATO forces in Europe, which recommended to keep the current dimensions on the continent. However, Ben Hodges did not exclude the possibility of a reduction.
“This administration talks about the Indo-Pacific region and a greater priority. We do not have many in Europe that would be moved to the Pacific, so it is not about reorienting things, but I can imagine that in the coming months we will see a process in which the size of the large army, the Great Army of the USA, will be reduced to pay for more air power, The size of the US Army and, therefore, a reduction in the size of the US Army in Europe, but, honestly, this administration has not been very predictable, ”said Hodges.
He believes that Europe is facing a problem of “political will”, not any deficiency of industrial or military capacity, and explained that economies, populations and armies of EU, Canada and the United Kingdom far surpass those of Russia.
Referring to the possible intentions of the Russians, the former American general said: “They want to destroy Ukraine as a state, and then come to Moldova, Georgia and I think they will probably continue as long as I see that the United States seem to be unparalleled. And, if they see that Europe is lacking in self-confidence, I think this is not what I am. And I look at how vulnerable we seem because we seem insecure about things, I think this increases the risk that Russia will make a terrible mistake. “
Ben Hodges's recommendations for Romania
He recommended to the Romanian authorities to strengthen the resilience of the society, including by increasing the degree of confidence of citizens in democratic institutions, and to collaborate closely with neighboring countries.
“Romanians should assume that if Russia has made the terrible decision to attack any NATO country, it means that it has already made the decision to launch hundreds of drones and rockets, and bombs on Constanta and any other maritime port, transport infrastructure, civil targets in Romania, as well as other places, as they have made against Ukraine. Civil targets to reach their goal.
Last but not least, Ben Hodges praised Romania for the “heavy decision” of “a few months ago” and for organizing “successful choices” in May 2025, saying that “you could feel the ease” caused by the recent poll in our country.
“I live in Germany. You could feel the relief with these choices that you had just had, not only do you see that it is worth fighting for democracy, but you can prevail in these evil forces led by Russia-but not only by Russia,” said Ben Hodges.
