During an interview with Euronews’ main morning programme Europe Today, former US Army Europe commander General Ben Hodges expressed that the continent is “gradually realizing” it cannot rely on the US as an equitable partner.
General Ben Hodges alerted that Europe is “gradually becoming aware” it must not depend on Washington as a just partner.
“The United States essentially views Europe as insignificant except perhaps for certain commercial interests,” Hodges remarked on the Europe Today show from Euronews.
He considered the US administration’s handling of the conflict to be “doomed from the outset” because they approached the war like “a large-scale real estate transaction.”
Hodges referenced recent disclosures involving Steve Witkoff, special envoy for the Middle East appointed by US President Donald Trump, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, as proof that Washington’s chief concern is “commercial dealings with Russia once this situation resolves.”
“If matters proceed as Mr Witkoff and Jared Kushner intended with the Russians, (this) will pose a significant dilemma for Europe,” he stated, cautioning about the risk of millions more refugees if Ukraine enters an unfavorable agreement.
This realignment of priorities became evident this week as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to miss an important NATO summit in Brussels.
“This is unusual but reflects part of the problem,” Hodges commented, adding that Europe ranks fourth in the current administration’s priority list behind the western hemisphere, Indo-Pacific, and Middle East.
Despite the bleak perspective, the general maintained that the situation remains hopeful. He dismissed the assumption that Ukraine is losing, highlighting that after 11 years of conflict, Russia controls only 20% of Ukraine and some sectors of its economy face severe difficulties.
Hodges emphasized that “Ukraine and Europe combined” possess the industry, resources, and population to halt Russia.
“There is no reason Europe, including Ukraine, cannot stop Russia,” he affirmed. “The issue lies in lacking self-confidence and political determination.”
Video editor • Lucy Davalou