General Ben Hodges: A victory for Ukraine is, in fact, crucial for the US as well / Explanations of the former commander of US troops in Europe
Reserve General Ben Hodges, former commander of the US Army in Europe, Photo: Wojtek RADWANSKI / AFP / Profimedia
General (retd) Ben Hodges, the former commander of US Ground Forces in Europe, tells Euronews that Ukraine's victory is crucial for US prosperity and global stability, amid concerns about the reduction of the US military presence in Europe.
The 28-point peace plan drawn up by the United States in collaboration with Russia, for a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, has raised uncertainty, especially among Europeans who are not involved in this process.
One of the main questions now is whether Europe can still rely on the United States as a protector, or whether this has opened the door for a new attempt by Russia to destabilize its neighbors and the rest of the continent.
Present at the Berlin Freedom Conference on November 10, Ben Hodges explained in an interview for Euronews why Washington needs Europe and why the defeat of Ukraine would have negative consequences for the US as well.
“Europe is America's largest trading partner. America's prosperity depends on Europe's prosperity. Europe's prosperity depends on Europe's stability and security, which is affected by this war waged by Russia. That is why it is so important that we win this war against the Russian aggressor,” Hodges said.
Who has priority for the US?
The American general was also asked to say whether he thinks the US is still a reliable NATO partner.
“I would say yes. But I think it's unfortunate that people are asking that question because the Trump administration has created doubts about the US response (in the event of an attack). That's the problem: The Russians could be making a dangerous miscalculation if they think the US doesn't want to do anything but issue statements. That perception increases the risk of Russian interference. Now, when I look at what the administration has done and said over the last ten months, one can see that the number one priority is the hemisphere western, North and South America,” replied the general.
“The second priority: the Indo-Pacific region, although this is mainly economic in nature. The third priority will probably be the Middle East. Because the administration has a strategy and diplomacy based primarily on transactions, and not on values or traditions, much of the effort is focused on concluding trade agreements,” the general said.
Europe is on the 4th place in the list of priorities, said General Hodges, who also recalled the US decision to reduce its military presence in Romania.
“This means that Europe is probably number 4 in terms of priorities. You will most likely see a reduction in the US military presence here, as a reduction in the US military presence in Romania has already been announced recently,” the general said.
Are further troop reductions in the works in Europe?
Asked if he also expected a troop reduction in Germany, Hodges said “it's almost inevitable.”
“But I don't know. They already talked about it a lot with Trump, but then, bizarrely, the number of US troops permanently stationed in Germany increased during his first term.
“But I don't know for sure. There was already a lot of talk about this during Trump's first term, but, bizarrely, the number of US troops stationed permanently in Germany increased then. Now, I think they are more determined to do it. We don't have a lot in Europe, especially in terms of US armed forces. What the US Army has in Europe is not needed in the Pacific, but it could be reduced to free up money and resources. I think overall the US Army will be reduced, and some from this reduction will come from Europe”, the general said.
