General Hodges on Retaking Crimea, NATO in Ukraine and Russian Collapse | Ep. 21 Gen. Ben Hodges
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ค. 2024
- ➡️ PATREON: / decodinggeopolitics
This is a conversation with Ben Hodges, a retired three star general of the US army, the former Commander of US Army Europe and someone who spent more than three decades as a military officer and achieved one of the highest posts in the US Armed Forces.
In this interview, we discussed what the latest military package means for Ukraine, why the West seems to prioritize avoiding escalation more than defeating Russia, whether we should send troops to Ukraine, how could Ukraine retake Crimea or whether we should worry about the fall of Putin's regime.
Thank you to everyone who supports this podcast on Patreon - and now, enjoy the conversation.
0:00 - Intro
01:14 - US Aid Package for Ukraine
07:19 - "Escalation Management"
12:13 - NATO Troops in Ukraine
17:45 - The Problem with US Strategy
22:27 - Crimea
39:52 - NATO Russia War
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Arguing that Russia should broken up to free people from being enslaved in a society where a few have everything and most people have nothing is a curious argument to be making from a capitalist society.
@@aaronmicalowe lol comrade, Russia is an authortitarian capitalist society, you are delusional.
Hodges has been prophesying the impending Russian collapse for 30 years.
Russia's not collapsing😂😂😂
Russia's going to win this war very soon lol every time Ukraine gets a donation or some new weapons all of a sudden Russia's going down😂😂😂
Couple weeks later you guys are quiet as a church mouse on a Thursday😂
Please stop your propaganda bullshit
@@aaronmicaloweunfortunately that's not what Russia's like where a few have everything in most have nothing 70 to 75% of Russian people are just fine... Western propaganda as usual and I am from the west and in the west so I know when my own tells a lie
This whole bullshit war is for globalization has nothing to do with any body in Ukraine😂😂
Next is North Korea and then China's last..... Simple to see simple to understand if you really look at it it's what they've been doing the past 100 years....
This must be so frustrating for Gen. Hodges. He has been saying this for 2 years now.
He almost makes Greenpeace look like real prophets.
Hahahahah
Greenpeace under Patrick Moore had a powerful message. Sadly it’s been hijacked by social justice idiots who believe their own theology.
Putin said three days remember 😂
@@JohnnyD45he never did. It was talk show US generals who started this rumor
"We've allowed ourselves to become victims" - well said Mr. Hodges
Kosice with Pellegrini = Kreml associate Slovakian president now not further guarantees the survival of Ukraine at Ushgorod in the Transkarpatian Mountain Region, a mathematical waging war assumption I made with highest probability at the february 2022
Let's get the lead out, now.
Well said ☘️🇮🇪☘️ Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 👍
If only the Ukrainians had student loans, they could get billions more. Yes, the Supreme doesn't likee but Biden has gone ahead like Jackson did with the Trail of Tears.
He swallowed zelenskys rainbow Milk 😁🇷🇺👍
Never start a war you can't afford to lose.
Is what NATO should be saying. Wtf is wrong with these people? Who cares about Russia or Ukraine!! I don't want to hear that BS about "saving democracy" either 😂. Come on, democracy in Ukraine Wow. They are as bad as Russia in that sense. Nato are also the aggressors here and have been since 1990, do your research. Americans won't be in favor of sending their sons and daughters to die over F*ckin Ukraine or Russia. Wow.
said nobody ever
collextive west can never win over Russia - largest armies of Europe tried and failed
@@flamewave0😂😂😂😂😂😂
Literally nobody has ever said that.
"Kill the archer, don't intercept the arrows." - great way to explain it. Thanks General Hodges
This is exactly what Russia is doing.
Classic case of "No shit Sherlock."
@@joseperes777 And Ukraina, to be fair. Probably less successfully, but still.
It's not planet America anymore
I‘m from Germany and i have to say, that our Politicians habe much to learn from Mr. Hodges! Especially our Chancellor.
I am sure your chancellor is walking the razors edge thanks to tricky alliance over many parties to secure the chancellor a possibility to lead germany and he need their support to continue.
Germany doesn't have nukes and has no adequate defence and response to Russian nuclear attack.
The Ukrainian government is a bunch of theorists who want to provoke nuclear war. Put up our shut up. Stop beging for my tax dollars 😂
Not really. Americans still issue commands to Germany. The opposition is more likely to come from Muslim immigrants whose "rules" are different from American "rules"
@@user-nh1yb9mk7y apart from the nuclear shield that being in NATO brings you mean...
The ancient Romans understood, “If you wish for peace, prepare for war.”
The way Putin reads that is “ Wish for war and prepare for war, while pretending to wish for peace.”
And like the Roman Empire, the USA empire is finished, both died of moral corruption.
Lol the ancient Romans who never knew peace and always looked for news lands to conquer when they weren't busy fighting a civil war? I think Switzerland would be a waaay better example to make your point.
Si vis pacem para bellum ?
And how did Roman empire ended?
How long have they been saying prepare for a Russian collapse now
About as long as Russia has been saying prepare for Western decline and the collapse of America? Oh, wait they've been saying that for literally decades now.
Guess we’re all hoping our for a post empire Russia, that can join the rest of the ex colonial states of Europe.
thats obviously click bait....what he's been saying is "If crimea falls then putin's russia does too"
This Hodges is a terribly human being.
always said. the last 300 years.
Jacques Baud : "well, I'am sometimes concerned about the level of our Generals"
Account created in May 14, 2022, three months after the start of the special operation. It has a generic name and no avatar. Interesting.
@@VVayVVard this surprises you?
The only clowns on here making disparaging remarks all either fit that bill or are cut from the same cloth.
It's the best they can do right now given their piss poor battlefield performance.
@@Marc-vc1wo Nah I know, I was just being sarcastic.
Useless at best!
Now they want every other nato country fight for US interests!!
@@VVayVVard maybe but Jacques Baud still say that and I think he is right
I am not military but do not understand why does the West announce publicly how much military equipment they give Ukraine when Russia does not tell you about their military capabilities they deploy for war? Same with China: they do not say how they help Russia. Iran also does not say publicly how many drones they send to Russia to be used against Ukraine. Same with North Korea. Unless you can show you deploy overwhelming force, so you do scare your enemy, why give Russia information about resources you are deploying in Ukraine?
It's relatively simple, any how modern espionage and sattelite surveillance would reveal almost every move.
none of those countries has an independent media, for one thing
@@victormarian7889 Victor, satellite surveillance can offer you some information, but not all regarding how much is produced, and transported. Actually, it is easier to estimate transported materials using surveillance methods, including satellites and spies, but countries find different methods to hide transports. Otherwise, Russia would be bombing ALL Western transported weapons to Ukraine, once they leave NATO territory. My point though was about Western "transparency", and giving hints to Russia about future plans, including money spent. But maybe this is also a tactical move to deceive Russia? One would hope so...
It is stupid to let putin know about every move, so i do not understand the purpose behind that.
@@icu17siberia niether does the US... Free julian Assange
“We deter ourselves.” Brilliant.
Yep. And true. The propaganda is working the west too.
Yes, but do you know why? Because we thought we are superior and we were xenophobic. We could all have lived, we have plenty of room on this planet. But our arrogance does not allow us.
@@florincodreanu5381 No, what you are pointing to is well founded and evolved human nature, not arrogance. You deterred yourselves because you as a culture grew complacent and weak. Your lessers are gnawing at your feet and you allow them to devour you whole by doing nothing. This is nothing new, but you must act or be replaced by those who will.
Nah. You simply unable to.
Don't deter yourself, show the world what is in YOU, that you are not FULL of ***** what ? Exactly so keep it...suck it up....
The closer you are to the campfire the more you feel the heat. This is why countries like Poland and the Baltics understand WELL the consequences of Ukraine losing.
No, you don't understand. The consequences of Russia losing are far greater because: 1 - Russia is a nuclear superpower and will use nukes to avoid losing. For Russia this is existential; 2 - If Russia doesn't use nukes and loses it will surely collapse and then either a more hardline regime will rise to power or there'll be chaos in a fractured nation with many thousands of nuclear weapons.
I didn’t know self delusion was so widespread among so many senior people in the U.S.
Isn't it completely mind-boggling? These people came up when the Soviet Union is around, they are unable to cope.
It's amazing to me too. Nobody in America sees things like these guys. We want out of NATO. We don't think the Ukrainians have any chance. The whole way is over NATO expansion.
@@tylershannon6593 Absolutely!
This Hodges is the same guy when talking about the famous Ukrainian “counteroffensive”, predicted that the U.S would be in Crimea by August 2023, after the Ukrainian military has liberated the Crimean Peninsula.
And here he is again, completely unhinged, with some more predictions!
Tamerlane7’s message is sponsored by the kremlin!
Well, the war by the Soviet Union in Afghanistan had huge impact on the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today Russia is different, but who knows what the failed war (compared by 3 weeks overtaking of Kiev, the original goal by Putin) of Russia in Ukraine will mean for Russia in the long run. Who knows what the impact of this failed Russian 'special operation' will be.
Ben Hodges analysis is invaluable for maintaining momentum supporting Ukraine and ensuring Ukraine win which will help the self interest of USA. Without this win the collective hope for other world goals such as environmental climate control and conversion from fossil fuels cannot be addressed as Russia attempts to destabilise the world. Use collective economic power of all nations to do everything necessary to help Ukraine win.
You are not ashamed to fight in packs the so-called powers 😂😂
You mean like expansion of NATO and the continuation of a losing war
I'm not even sure if you're being ironic or not, lol.
General Hodges should be appointed as a special military advisor to lead the US effort in the support of Ukraine. He is simply phenomenal.
Yes please.
Yes,then russia would win even faster.😂
Go back and rewatch some of his interviews from a year ago before the counter offensive.
@@niklasnorberg5071 You have no idea what you are talking about.
Why ? He has shown to be completely clueless in over two years of analysis and commentary. He certainly is no Colonel Douglas MacGregor.
LTG Hodges (then COL Hodges) was my BDE CDR in ‘03 with the OIF 1. He was always approachable but a great leader. I never saw him lose his composure. He knew what he was doing and when he gave an order, it was always followed and never questioned. BASTOGNE!! NFS!
A well-deserved humiliation of American and Western hubris, self-importance and narccism defeated by Russians armed with shovels and dishwashers.
It must be terrible for the Genl to see every one of his predictions failed. He is the laughingstock of the century.
Excuse me but the operration iraqi freedom wasnt just an unprovoked act of agression from the side of the US ? A something like Russian invasion to ukraine ?
@@pityu2002 You can’t be that stupid…
What an honor it must have been to serve under one of the greatest Generals of all time! Wow! VERY cool man!
@@pityu2002 American unprovoked illegal and brutal invasion and ongoing occupation of Iraq.
The Americans are the "good" guys.
Why? Because they say so.
Americans don't commit war crimes.
Why? Because they say so.
Anyone with a different opinion are banned/gagged or sanctioned.
A big problem is people are generally not very good with big numbers. So when they hear that 50 billion USD of aid is being provided to Ukraine, year after year, and it's framed as a major burden to the US national budget, many people will believe it without thinking too hard into it. In reality, anyone who's looked at the actual numbers will quickly realize that 50 billion is only 1% of the total budget; and in the recent bill, only 0.2% was reserved for direct financial aid, while the rest was paid to US defense contractors to rearm the US military. The latter form of aid in turn recoups a lot of the incurred costs via tax revenue (corporate taxes + personal income taxes from the workers + taxes on the goods, services, properties etc bought by those workers with the remainders of their salaries). Not to mention that successful deterrence lowers the likelihood of major inflation spikes as seen in 2022 happening in the future.
So from the viewpoint of someone who understands how economies work, it seems self-evident that the investment would pay itself back several-fold. But for people with less knowledge, this connection is impossible to make. Which is exacerbated by the fact that countries like the US are actually increasing their deficit at an alarming rate----anyone who looks at the government budget will immediately realize that this has nothing to do with foreign aid and everything to do with welfare, but most people don't bother checking it for themselves, which leads them to conclude that foreign aid must be involved somehow.
And it doesn't help that in a polarized society, people from both sides are incentivized to use whatever material they can get to attack the other side with, rendering them susceptible to foreign influence campaigns. People are predisposed to believe whatever information reinforces their pre-existing beliefs, and foreign actors have become increasingly adept at capitalizing on this.
Exactly this.
1) Average American is simply not keeping up with news/data from proper sources. They don't get this aid package actually helps the US economy, in multiple ways. Or just how much of an impact it will have on their lives in the long term.
2) Foreign state run disinformation campaigns are a cancer on democratic societies. I am shocked the Western world has not taken it very seriously, and have not yet started to run anti-disinfo campaigns of their own yet. The Russians, Chinese, N.Korean and Iranian regimes are 'taking' the West without firing a shot. Cause enough internal dissent/strife and a country will be too busy dealing with internal turmoil to deal with issues abroad.
Hi there, you sound like a well collected individual. Any ideas on how to tackle this wellfare spending? This has been a problem in many countries for decades now and USA seems to only be catching up to the trend. With current demographics predictions and actual hard data, it seems like an untennable situation globally without some strong and frankly even horrific sounding steps/reforms.
That's correct. The $60b is a drop in the bucket, and it actually helps the US economy. Foreign state run disinformation campaigns are doing an excellent job of causing dissent within democratic countries, with the sole aim of weakening a country from within. A country fighting with itself cannot focus on outside threats.
Welfare for the citizens is a must for the success of a country.
Huge taxcuts for the wealthiest is not!
So since you understand how economies work, tell me how sending money to a corrupt government is going to save the Ukraine? Russia is advancing towards Kharkov and Odessa . Odessa its only big port. How does prolonging a unwinnable war help the Ukrainian economy? You wont stop Russia until we negotiate with them. 600k Ukrainian men dead already millions of casualties. You people think the west is ready for a world war ,you'd be wrong. In short my economist friend , sending money to the Ukraine will prolong the war and increase the possibility for a world war. That will cost trillions .
Lyndon B Johnson once said, "It is better to have your enemies inside the tent pissing out then outside the tent pissing in."
But...sometimes you owe it to yourselves and your allies to make sure your enemy is incapable of pissing anywhere ever again.
I hope you meant to write "than."
@@keaixiaomeinvlol!
Hello! I do not like Mr. Johnson. He could talk, he did not back it up. He was limp on Nam, he let a U.S. ship in international waters get hammered by Israel. The wimp would just not quit. Regard
More like Lyndon P. Johnson am I right?
@@nicksanta maybe learn to speak english properly before your try and troll, ruZZian bot...
Hodges predicted Ukraine’s summer offensive would take Crimea last year, that didn’t happen .
He is wrong every time
Pro Putin pundits said Ukraine was finished in 2022. didnt happen.
Yeah he admitted that it didn't go that well, but he also stressed that it was more due to U.S not giving enough aid and said prediction was built on that idea of wanting to help. Instead complacency halted that prospect.
He ist right about most of the other stuff and Russia still has not made any gains and loses more and more troops with the aid package making victory this year unlikely for Russia, especially when this year is their last chance of victory, a rather slim chance.
He did not know the USA would stop aid to Ukraine for seven months.
The attack was late and had no air cover.
great interview with gen. Hodges, he is very smart person (obviously) but also he understands better russians then most of western citizens (voice from Poland here), my best regards for general
I love this General. Clear perspective communicated in clear language, capability, knowledge and experience paired with human sense. Can't he be the next US President...?
My General. Smart. Strategic... and knows who the enemy is.
China, not Russia. This man is a fool, and a traitor. Go ahead and follow him and I hope you make it. Best wishes to you.
Knows who the enemy is , what a joke, the enemy of the people is there government.How many Russian military bases around the world, Compton US, this is what happens to people that believe their own bullshit
Old man with Big Mouth
@@lauriew3517The big mouth of truth though ☝🏼😃
Don't be so naïve ! One only has to look at a pro Ukr war map to see that Russia is advancing fast. Ukraine is finished ...... no amount of used second hand equipment or ammo will save them. They are past the point of no return. That's why NATO is freaking out and these idiots are on YT trying to keep the dream alive.
Gen Ben Hodges understands the direct similarity between how individuals think to how governments think. Those of us who with personal experience in dealing with bullies, know that a bully respects only a greater force that does or will defeat them. The surprise on the bullies face when he/she realises he/ she has bitten off more than they can chew is immensely rewarding for it usually resulted in the bully backing off completely and finally understanding they are not going to succeed in getting their way. Because governments are made up of people, their individual experiences or lack thereof determines how a government responds.
Ben Hodges is an inspiration and his views deserve looking at by all governments.
Yes, NATO and America is a bully
well I think because the Kremlin understands that the Western world and the US in particular is politically much more dependent on public opinion than countries like Russia or China, they have historically always placed great priority on public influence operations abroad. This has been the case I think since the early years of the Communist International when they realized they cannot compete with the West directly and must therefore place their strategic emphasis on propaganda. SO I think this has become an incredibly important factor now with the internet, and Western societies have largely yet to realize just how much foreign influence has shaped their political reality.
Both u and this American general Rae stupid sorry for so blunt
the bully here is America and Nato.
First time after world war
American military influence
China and India do not listen to US
Middle East did not allowed its bases to be used
Turkey hate America they bought S400
In defiance
Africa is throwing America out
America met its military match in Russia
U talk of taking Crimea back have u travelled there - 2 million Crimean speaks Russian , they identify themselves as Russians
Ukrainians are getting killed
They have lost 22% of its land mass
And u dumb guys still think that Ukraine will win.
U don’t win wars on charity , in this case
Ukraine receives charity from America
Leftover of old weapons
Russia has massive arms industry
One mighty country Russia fighting 32
Countries and they have not flinched
And they are winning
Not to throw shade at DW, but you are so much more pointed and eloquent with your questions to the General than they usually are! Well done.
Thank you for the interview. The only thing I'd like to mention is that when Gen. Hodges evaluates the risk of nuclear attack from Russians (in Ukraine) he is convinced, like many other westerners, that the motivation for that should have some logical, practical reasons. And this is a mistake. Very often common sense might be missing. And this misunderstanding makes Russia unpredictable enemy. Because West is expecting no nuclear attack - no common sense, everybody dies, what's the point. From Eastern perspective the idea to win might be prevailing than to save population. That's why when North Korea threatens with nukes- we understand that they "show strength" and that's their point. With Russia I take it seriously. Because only one person decides there and he can "afford it"- he has a personal bunker.
Hodges has a great, straight-forward message. If you are afraid of Russian rhetoric, you've already lost, and there's no victory without Crimea. Slava Ukraini.
We'll .not.much brain in hodges brain
I'm not afraid of rhetoric, but mirvs give me pause.
Hodges had a great imagination. That’s about it. The war had already been lost. Can’t even supply 1/10th of the artillery shells that the Russians have.
That’s exactly!! Now you need to stop hiding with your mom and go help Ukrainians. Can you do that mister WARPIG ?
Slava Ruski!
When expertise and pragmatism does the thing. Awesome interview
Yeah he has as top advisors the BEST of the BEST: Captain Blackadder And Bagdhad Bob
Excellent interview. Both the interviewer and interviewee do their jobs very well.
I had no idea we have such great podcasters in CZ :) skvělé interview, Dominiku
Same, that was very well done!
Agreed, I’m 67, and I’m thinking to myself that this”kid” is asking great though full questions!
I served scout dog in Nam. A draftee army. The last, so far. We were not treated well. Carefully advise my grandchildren to avoid military service.
But would do it again? Hell yes.
Thanks for your service! Welcome home!
That War was a Mistake, no question about that. The Draft was a Bad idea no question about that.
The United States now has a Volunteer Military, which is what we need. People who want to Serve and know why they are there and in Uniform.
Me too, Brother. In a heartbeat. Slava Ukraini, long live the Republic.
God bless you! Truly, you were not treated well.
@@robertwilkinson8421and which one was not a mistake? 😂😂😂
Excellent guest. I'm 15 minutes in and his perspective is insightful and a lot different than what I commonly hear.
He has books about Caravaggio and Vermeer on his wall which is way more impressive to me than if he had D'Vinci and Michael Angelo or Warhol and Picasso. I guess I have to keep listening.
spot on, re the choices of painters he has books of. He's the real deal in clear eyed thinking, as have been some other US generals and commanders , retired, who've spoken a fair bit during this war, e.g. Hertling who is fantastic. Several Brits as well have been phenomenally sharp, including non military, i forget the name of the non mil guy, who has been in gvt as well in the past. Big btw, Hodges' point about the recruitment age is really important. Imho, Ukr needs many more troopers, and it needs young ones, including early 20somethings. This really is bizarre how Ukr has 27 as the min age, it makes no sense.
@@18_rabbit Yea, right on Rabbit. I hear you and thanks.
@@18_rabbit "This really is bizarre how Ukr has 27 as the min age, it makes no sense."
This completely makes sense because the parents of young children are needed to enable and support the next generation at least to primary education age. Those 27 and older have on average made that important contribution to the health of the Ukrainian nation.
Demographics matter.
General Hodges is and has been on top of this for 2 years now. He maintains that if Ukraine does not retake Crimea they will loose economic opportunities not being able to use the Black Sea
Isn't there a 90k NATO military deployment going on right now
great analysis by Ben Hodges. he said everything correct from the start. we could come out of this war as reignited global leader and help Ukraine to win this war undoubtfully! instead we are getting dragged into Russia-China scenario
A very good point. You cant fight a war for survival and ignore the lack of manpower
Thanks again to General Hodges for tirelessly advocating for Ukraine and International security ...
Fall of Kiev is more likely than the fall of Crimea
@@obfuscati yeah Kyiv in 3 days, eh comrade? 🤣
@@obfuscatiprostitutes for Putin.
@@nozhki-busha And Ukraine is losing to an army that ran out of rockets already back in March 2022 and are now fighting with shovels. Can we just cut the propaganda?
@@nozhki-bushaIt just a matter of time.
Good interview, and always a pleasure hearing Gen. Hodges speak.
In November 2022 Hodges said Crimea will be free in Summer 2023... what a clown🤣🤣😂
@@KlaunFuhrer-du7fr Predicting the future is always contingent on your assumptions. Like Ukraine being able to maintain the momentum of the Summer/Autumn campaign of of '22. Like the logistical help from abroad running smoothly. In November 22 Summer 23 looked realistic.
The only clown here is the armchair general who got it right with hindsight. So what were you predicting in Summer 22, Mr Clown Fuhrer?
Why? Because you prefer lies?
Yeah everytime i want to laugh And watch a conedy, i listen to this clown
@@darkwingsofsteelkeeperofth3154 you have a strange sense of humour, but I guess it takes all sorts.
When it comes to the draft age I *really* recommend Gen. Hodges to have a good look at the population pyramid and take a moment to think about the implications. Note how similar dips are around the 55 mark, 75 mark, and 0: You have a series of generations impacted by calamities getting into their reproductive age just as another calamity hits, compounding the effect, and now another one is hitting. The demographic situation is very much extreme enough to say "we'd rather have experienced workers die on the front than further decimate the 18yo generation".
Interesting take there. I think this guy is just a mouthpiece for American propganda.
I'd love to see this guy sit down with Scott Ritter. Their maps of reality almost perfectly contradict each other
Always a pleasure to listen to general Hodges with his clear-eyed and intelligent analysis! With his voice he continues to serve his country and sustain the hopes of the free world that the US is still up to the task of leading despite the appearance of destructive forces in its internal politics! Thank you General Hodges for raising your voice against those naive politicians who always fret about “escalation”! Ukraine needs to win!
He's great.
Dreamer and criminal but all western leaders have same failure, warmongers uber alles.
He's insane
@@carusmike sure he is comrade, sure he is...
This desk jokey has gotten everything wrong this entire war. He is good for the general overall political picture more than tactics and strategy. He should stick to what he knows, military politics and administration.
French TV LCI would like to hire Mr. Hodges
At 6:55 "I understand the concerns about loosing the entire generation of young [Ukrainian] men". Two minutes prior to that at 4:50 "In terms of strategic communications... to make sure that Americans realize that this is in our [American] interest that Ukraine is successful. The advocacy is gotta be based on strategic interests of the United States and of the West, about our own economic prosperity..." That's all I need to know about this man and the interview
I do agree with General Hodges on Ukraine and their conscription age. I enlisted in the US Marine Corps at the age of 17 and have a hard time understanding why every 18 year old male in Ukraine isn’t training or wearing a uniform right now. This baffles me and frustrates me to no belief. *** Young men of Ukraine: now is your time to step up! Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦
Now is your time, go volunteer! No? Thats what I thought.
Well putting people in the military is a 2 edged sword. They would have to be supplied and you would be reducing the number of people producing the supplies for them! GB (and Russia) solved that problem in WW2 by putting the women to work.
And the other question is just what are all these soldiers you want, supposed to do? Man the guns that don't have enough ammunition already?
There has to be a purpose to what you do in war. From what I have seen, Ukraine has played this war smart, Russia has not.
Ukraine got played
Thank you for bringing on General Hodges, there is none better at explaining the tactical nuances and the Western strategic imoeratives.
@gregoryadair whilst I absolutely agree in principle, without diminishing the simply excellent Gen Hodges in any way at all, would argue that it is the very UNnuanced, UNsubtle and, conversely, incredibly straightforward points he makes which a) endow them with a clear and simple directness and b) have such an unassailable logic to them.
For instance, regarding the nuclear threat - he acknowledged it's not nil. Yet, without of course, putting a specific figure on it, provides a number of excellent reasons why it's very, very low indeed. Those reasons cover a number of bases which are separate - from the warnings against such an attack by the President of China and, for those who don't trust him either, wholly separate notions ranging from the limited military/strategic benefit, the international reaction in terms of even greater sanctions and isolation - possibly even by China and India which would cause Russia's almost immediate collapse. All the way through to blatant insubordination. The NANOSECOND someone powerful like the head of the FSB - or Army - says "no" to Putin's face, it'll all be over. ...
❤Incidentally, one aspect he didn't cover here, but which he has elsewhere, is that while I don't trust Xi either, there is very good reason to believe he really has advised Putin against the use of nukes. Apart from the bleedin' obvious one - ie where the USA sends its own nuclear arsenal in return - which would also risk causing chaos in the already unstable China - but China's promise to Russia is as fake as Hongda mopeds and Roewe cars. There are rumours of what amounts to a trickle of weapons and equipment from China to Russia - and the shipping of a few "dual purpose" items (presumably tumble dryers with microchips that will serve within missile guidance systems) - simply so that Xi can point to something if Putin ever asks - but FAR more noticeable is what China ISN'T doing. Which amounts to "isn't doing very much". This is essentially because China has already ages ago made the calculus that Russia will not come out of it well. While I wanted to say "will lose", not coming out of it very well covers losing but also, even if Russia held on to Crimea and the four mainland provinces, so swingeing will be the sanctions, the isolation, the technology reversal etc, the Chinese predict that while Russia seems now quite resilient, in the long run the manpower costs, the sheer price in money/resources, dissatisfaction within the population thanks to all public services declining - and the increase in political mistrust and paranoia (every man for himself, rather than working collectively towards a common good) - the cracks are already getting big. China and Russia may be next door neighbours - but they're culturally chalk and cheese. There's no natural affinity between them - quite the opposite. In fact, much of what today is Russia, especially in the Russian Far East - used to belong to China. While the focus is currently on China growling hungrily at Taiwan, the reality is that island would be an absolute nightmare to overrun - asides from the 100 miles of ocean and the huge - and hard - American army surging in to assist, China's surprisingly unpopular with quite a few of the other regional states - Thailand, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam and that's before you count the avowed Western allies of Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. China WOULD POUNCE on grabbing vast tracts of that part of Russia - and controlling not only all that land - but it's resources. At the moment, while it's discounted, China still pays for Russian oil. I don't find it much of a stretch to imagine China preferring to get it free. With Vladivostok and the whole Kamchatka peninsula returned to China - along with chunks of Siberia - would be a distraction, a face saver and, along with the extra space for people, industry and crops, plus the natural resources, would feel like compensation for Xi in not taking Taiwan. So, another reason why China doesn't want America nuking Russia.
Another thing, while to make statements like "Russia's best use of its nuclear arsenal is in the threat of its use, not the actual" IS circumstantial - it nevertheless has a powerful logic. Likewise there's a degree of risk in the comparison, but despite the stats we constantly hear of Russia's six thousand strong stockpile, knowing what we now know about the crapulous, hollowed out state of Russia's conventional army, it seems INCONCEIVABLE that somehow, the part of it responsible for the nuclear warheads, has been a ❤fanatical, ultra disciplined, scrupulously honest, hard working, sober, organised and diligent department which has successfully maintained thousands of warheads in tip top condition😂😂😂😂Don't make me laugh - if they've got ANY that work, it's no more than a handful. But even if they had as many working as reported, there's then the whole other question of launching them. Hollywood villains, along with some general or Defense Minister turning two keys then pressing a big, lit-up red button might do it like that - but that's make believe. The chain of command is far more complex and it seems extremely likely if it came to it, there are enough people involved that at least one would sabotage it or outright refuse...
In short - and there are many many more reasons even than above - an extremely solid assessment can be made that Russia's all talk.
Further, Putin can surround himself with as many loyal bodyguards as he wants - ultimately that doesn't increase his security. If anything it only increases the odds of having someone disgruntled enough around him to risk taking his shot. In fact - and you heard it here first - it is my prediction that Putin will be dead by the end of this year. I can hear the edifice creaking and groaning from here in London.
So can Ben Hodges - which is why he gets so frustrated with the half assed, indecisive, hedging and pusillanimous rhetoric by most of the western leaders - nothing to do with being a hawkish military general. And as if all that's not enough, it's not as if there's NO risk to doing nothing. If Russia gets away with this, the future costs to NATO will be ASTRONOMICAL. Whereas if NATO just spends what it needs to to get the job done now, even if that looks expensive, it'd be nothing compared to having to beef things up sufficiently to deter a resurgent, refreshed and rearmed Russia.
Rather than nuanced - it all just seems so blatantly obvious!!!!
Hodges is an idiot.....Crimea voted to leave Ukraine rule and join Russia by over 80% yes vote back in 2014....so there is nothing for Ukraine to take back
bot page.
perhaps his bruder General McGregor, is milles better, try listen to one of his podcasts
Good for you. You are a lone voice in a sea of reason. Chances of you.being right are miniscule but you have a right to voice your view
Lol
Having been a Nuclear Weapons Specialist in the USAF, I've seen my shop at Minot AFB go from best in Air Force in 1984, to flying nukes off the base (big no no for a very long time) because they had live and inert weapons mixed together. I have no doubt that Russian nukes won't work as intended. The Russians didn't even have reliable truck tires when they decided to invade.
Nice interview, very interesting. I have to say I do enjoy perusing the bookshelves of people who are on cam from their home/office/study whatever. You learn a fair amount about the person by seeing what's on their shelves. Glad to see a number of books on art there, speaks well of General Hodges.
Art? Like “ the art of war”?
Well, I didn’t spot Sun Tzu’s book on the shelf, although I wouldn’t be surprised if it were there but I did see books on both Caravaggio and Vermeer, both way sweet.
Ben Hodges is a classy individual .
He’s lying to you or uninformed
He also really upsets the trollfarm.
@@geoffrobinson unlike the Kremlin who are telling the truth, right comrade?
He is a fatuous fool who has been proven to display inept analysis regarding this conflict
@@nozhki-bushago back and watch his analysis from a year ago about the upcoming counter offensive, or the battle of Bakhmut, Avdivka, etc. What has he got right?
Civilian leadership needs to watch this. All of us watching this, have more expertise than our countries' leaders.
Based on what?
wtf are you talking about?
@@PaulAngileri How about based on the fact the west has let russia gain more ground when they have weapons sitting idol.
Most democratic leaders rely on expert groups. Those groups are generally respected and peer reviewed- As in, who should I talk to about xxxx? If most people point to the same group or person, chances are that they are the expert and know what they're talking about.
@Mattjki when are you volunteering for combat? The General doesn't mention that Russia will never accept NATO nuclear tipped missiles 350 miles from Moscow. And the USA opposed nuclear tipped IRBMs in Cuba 90 miles from US borders.
Excellent questions. I haven't heard a level headed take on the nuclear question though it has been my own intuition that Putin is unlikely to use them.
I've just subscribed. This was a brilliant interview. Thank you Dominik.
i joined the british army in 1978 as a boy soldier ,i was 16 years old
The Who?
Thank you for your service Sir
Texan here. I don’t consider Myself to be a hawk, by any means, but Gen Ben Hodges simply makes a common sense argument for his positions regarding Putin. I wish he was our Sec of Defense. I think he and Macron are compelling when they speak against allowing Putin to set *all* the terms of this war! Dominick, I’m appreciative of your interview technique, knowledge, & research of the issues. Keep up the great work!
For some reason, no US president, republican or democrat seems to agree with you. he's smart but so are the other SecDef's
YES I 💯% agree. Hodges would be the right SecDef at the right time, I believe. Hope he'd be willing to do it if ever approached. He's right on target in his analyses!
@@icu17siberia What are you even talking about "Siberia"-? Maybe it's never been considered to ask Hodges, bc nobody yet thought of it. I could see why Russia doesn't like him in this position - because the guy's good at what he does.
@@xy6845don't feed the trolls. 😂
Howdy, Sir !
Untimely deliveries of weapons from the United States negatively affect the Mobilization of men in Ukraine; you must agree that no one has the desire to die with their bare hands, without weapons.
"Liberating Crimea will change things" Its not like there never was any war over Crimea before....of course, it IS critical. I agree with this man's assessment.
Thankyou Lt.General Hodges and Dominic Presl for this excellent video.Giving Ukraine everything it needs to win this war and Ukrainian integration into the EU and NATO is the west’s best self defense.
Look how General Hodges gives his time to so many new outlets. He doesn't have the tell-tale pause of the liar or politician, he is integrated in his thinking and lacks hesitation.
Yeah, we saw how pushing just that worked out for the security of the West. The biggest threat to the security of the West is its hubris.
Did you say ukr could winn this conflict? Seriously? 🤓🤪🤭
Love Ben Hodges and his thoughtful, experienced commentary.
sure...he has never won a war in the 3world😂😂😂
Have him debate Col Macgregor.
@@user-ee6xt8gu9lMacGregor the kisser of Putin's butt ?
Why? Debating brainwashed morons is not helpful. Try it yourself and you’ll see.
@@user-ee6xt8gu9l .....???who
BASED, as usual. Times of strong men have come, prepare for hard times.
Just as in the 1930's, we have seen the rise of dictators in many countries.
You have to be kidding! I love your perspective. I don't mind a 3-second ad, but two ads totaling a required listing time of ~5 minutes is too much!! My solution just pisses me off, crank up the play speed, only to find that 2nd ad, speed up>>>> Please, take your audience's feelings into consideration. You may not be aware of the ads scam, as I have never seen them before, and this may be the first time you are now aware of their tactics.
Otherwise, I love your knowledge, but I may not return often. Thank you for hearing me out.
Ben Hodges is a crafted speaker, but it would be great to put him in front of his past claims that Crimea was doomed to fall into Ukraine’s hands already in 2023… I have no problem with erroneous statements, but it is the duty of the interviewer.
The CULTURE OF LYING by omission is very fashionable these days because the BLIND sheeple slobber it up unquestioningly. We in the US think hodges is a joke just like johnson who TORPEDOED the Ukraine Russia Peace deal!
He qualified that prediction with the condition that the west provided long range precision weapons (ATACMS), aircraft and tanks. We didn’t. So technically not a false prediction.
He is a delusional USA military complex puppet
Taking Crimea meant taking out the Kerch bridge in 2022 and getting back to the Sea of Azov east of Crimea before the Russian defenses were built up. Now it is definitely a tougher nut to crack.
Crimea will never belong to Ukraine. It will never belong to UK or US. Maybe Turkey lol . Ever. Anyone telling you otherwise have also a bridge for sale.
Americans haven’t provided a single Patriot battery of their own, as far as I know, correct me if I am wrong.
Thank you for the interview, Ben Hodges is a legend, respect 💪
They gave them one.
@@darrellbryant1018 3
US has provided at least 2 patriots and Germany at least 1
Ben Hodges has no respect from me. He's a traitor because he is most likely profiting from all the death the U.S. has caused in the conflict. F Ben Hodges, right in his damned ear!
I thought usa gave 2 systems around the first 16 months of war
Great interview, thank you.
I agree with most everything Gen. Hodges says, except for the replacement of Putin; on that matter I think it’s a case of ‘better the devil you know’.
I don't know if Ben Hodges has any desire to be political active, and I am not a US citizen so I won't be able to vote anyway, but I love the way he thinks as in past, present, future. If he does that beyond military points as well, I think he would be great as president.
Is this the "Ukraine will retake Crimea by august 2023" Hodges?
It sure is😀
That’s half of what he said, yes. You missed the “IF the west supplies enough equipment for combined arms i.e. long range precision weapons, aircraft and tanks”.
@@Domesticated_Ape how much more do they need....... this is such crap
What did you expect from a delusional cold war boomer. He's pathetic like the people who believe his BS.🤣
@@janeztomazic5546 how much do they need to beat the (allegedly) worlds second most powerful military? Probably quite a lot, I reckon. What alternative do you propose? Surrender?
A salute to Gen. Ben Hodges
I wouldn't underestimate how readily Putin etc would be willing to go to war with Nato. I feel its a way out for him regarding how it is perceived by the Russian people. 'See, Nato wants to attack Russia, and invade.' It would boost support for Russia from others who are currently questioning what Russia is doing.
Brilliant interview. Thanks for the job you’re doing. Talks with Gen. Hodges are always immensely informative and thought-provoking.
Immensely informative and thought-provoking. Surely you just this guy is a simpleton
Love Ben, he has said all this from the start, if only the powers that be in the west cared less about their political standing and more about supporting Ukraine, to save Europe, and America, (who are only a few miles away from Russia in Alaska) from a bigger war. It could have been nipped in the bud in 2022 when the Russians were on the run, they have learned so much from our dithering!
Mr. Ben. If. You. Heaw. Formula. Go. Too. Front. T. Comand
Hodges needs to explain how to win a war of attrition while outclassed in artillery, manpower and air power.
Precision defeats mass.
@@catharsis3881 Oh, is that what's happening right now?
@@briane8627 You asked if it's possible not is it happening.
@@catharsis3881 Ha! Fair point.
@@briane8627 The Ukrainians aren't fighting a western style war, they're fighting a massed war on the defensive with a small supply of western tools to blunt Russian pressure.
While I greatly appreciate a US general speaking up in support of Ukraine, I am getting a bit tired of the endless complaints about Germany not having secretly piled up weapons. As the former commander in Europe he knows very well that the reunification and return to being a sovereign country did not just come with military restrictions but also with a moral obligation to show they would be peaceful neighbors. Since then a whole generation has grown up and had their own children, all raised with this view in mind. Germans are not stupid, they know that the invasion of Ukraine changed things but you can't turn a whole country on a dime.
i am not sure why your podcast never came up in my feed before but I have now subscribed. I have an unwavering support for Ukraine and have roots in the Czech Republic. Prague is my my favorite city. Petr Pavel has been a fantastic president. I watched his inauguration with glee from the USA although I didn't understand a word of it. Thanks for bringing us Ben Hodges. I try to watch every interview with him.
That's both unexpected and lovely to read, cheers from Prague!
19:30 "Germany is the only country to provide Patriot missiles" Hasn't Japan done so as well? Please give the Japanese credit for this, since their systems protect them from China and they received threats from Russia if they provided Patriots. It's hard to find updates but it was approved last December. I suspect they want this to stay low-key.
We love Japan.
Perhaps the missles were not send when the video had been recorded? But Germany had been the only country that send complete systems. I wonder whom countrys like Spain or Portugal have fear beeing invaded from that cannot be intercepted by aircrafts?
Japan is not going to last long .... thanks to the political system ..... imported from the US
Japan supplied missiles to the US with the stipulation that they cannot be sent to Ukraine. This allows the US to maintain its capability while transferring US stock to Ukraine.
Ben Hodges is seriously deranged. Russia is winning hands down. Russia has 'escalatory dominance' as Barack Obama pointed out many years ago. With the western world failing in its sanctions barrage Russia had nothing to hinder its arrival at total victory in Ukraine.
Ah this guy has been so, so correct about everything. You dint make General without being part of the political set
As Hodges said in 2022, if Ukraine was given everything it asked for, including long-range ATACMs and F16s, it would've had a chance to take Crimea. At that time, Russian defenses were lacking. So what did the West do? Well, of course, it decided to give Ukraine less than half of what it asked for, including zero long-range ATACMs and zero F16s. The result? Ukraine couldn't make any moves on Crimea whatsoever. In other words, Hodges' predictions have been entirely correct until now----no aid, no gains.
As I've said elsewhere, the reason the war has stalled is because the West wanted it to stall. If the West wanted victory, there would be victory.
There is a very famous commonly known book with title "Feel the fear and do it anyway". This statement is actually the best advice we should follow in terms of supporting the Ukraine - there is nothing more stupid than to talk that we limit the support of Ukraine with military goods because Russia could use nuclear weapons!!! Saying that or doing so in fact encourages Putin to use nuclear weapons some day as a logical step in assumption it could reduce or stop weapon delivery! We need to take this scenario into account and prepare for it instead of declaring it to a "red line" and hoping and talking it will never happen, because even if very unlikely, it still could happen! Accept the possibility. Don't bury your head in the sand! Whether it is possible or not, we need to defeat Putin's troops anyway, there is no other way out. Any hesistation in military support of the Ukraine makes the use of nuclear weapons by Putin more likely as unlikely, get that finally!
And the second thing - something like NATO troops are simply not existing, until they are declared to be the NATO troops they are military troops of certain countries. But as long as enough weapons can help, it makes no sense to send any western soldier to Ukraine, send WEAPONS x 10!
I have always said that Crimea is the key to ending this war. All roads, from the north and east lead to Crimea. Plus its and isolated penninsula that is difficult to defend. I think they can make such hell on Crimea that the Russians will just leave.
Maybe the US and NATO should leave the Russians be the US and the CIA started this war not Russia.
@@ottomueller4425 you earned your Vodka ration for the day Comrade
Hitler tried that circa 1942, the Russians never left.
Lol dream on
@@arieskibet6443 we are talking Russian army, the russian army is who needs to go home
"It is more important to take out the archer than to deflect the arrows"..... BH always hits the spot!
He is a genius .... what remains is just to somehow action it. His theories are fantastic .... literally
Ben Hodges is seriously deranged. Russia is winning hands down. Russia has 'escalatory dominance' as Barack Obama pointed out many years ago. With the western world failing in its sanctions barrage Russia had nothing to hinder its arrival at total victory in Ukraine.
@BenHodges ❤ Thank you for talking to us. We thoroughly appreciate your opinion on this war
He's been 100% wrong on all points
@@rikirich2223IT DOESNT MATTER, THEY CAN FELL COZY AND COMFORTABLE RIGHT?!
War is when young men and women are dying while old men and women are discussing. Benjamin Franklin
In times of high tech warfare it takes experienced and professional foot-soldiers and intelligent use of short- and long-range precision weapons and replacable robots.
Great interview. Gen Hodges do indeed present excellent analysis & perspective. These are based on relevant and intelligent questions and comments.. Being 68 years old I feel good when I see young people being able to perform these kind of interviews / discussions. Keep up the good work, Dominik. Now I will be a Patreon.
In November 2022 Hodges said Crimea will be free in Summer 2023... what a clown🤣🤣😂
@@KlaunFuhrer-du7fr Yo Comrade, he had no idea the republicans would stall aid for 7 months.
Ben is the only one I really listen to regarding this war
Retired General Wesley Clark is also excellent on Ukraine.
I listen to Ben Hodges to get one viewpoint, and Alexander Mercouris to get another. Whoever turns out to be mistaken will never admit that they were - only prediction one can be sure of 😁
Why? His predictions have been just as flawed as everyone else's. Surely a cross section of opinions and analysts would leave you better informed?
No they would not , because Ben understands Ukraine can win with the political will and the right weapons, If u have payed attention u would realize Ukraine is far superior, but they don’t get enough of what they need , and what they do get they get to late
@@GregChaps-do2nw How are they superior if their entire armies are gone? Reality is what contradicts you.
Amazingly smart man, I think that's the only right way of talking about this war or Russia at all.
It’s all trickling down to battle between democratic societies and tyrannical societies. It’s crucial times for entire civilization.
Exactly. The spirits and souls are separating and preparing for the last Battle in truth for freedom and basic human Rights - as announced in the holy scriptures of the Bible. 🍷📜🗿⏳
General Hodges has a clear, unwavering focus on our commitment to Ukraine winning the war!
more like a severely deluded old man whos forgoten his meds
Are you delusional? Can you not see how the UAF is being beaten ,degraded and soon to be given the boot out of Donbass
He’s absolutely right about if Ukrainians don’t want to have a free country like everyone else that like here in America young people are the ones who defend the country from enemies foreign and domestic so the Ukrainians should step up and understand that it’s for their freedom of the future Ukrainians citizens that are coming after them and their country’s sovereignty
Biden Administration was carefully Boiling the Russian Frog, by slowly increasing the heat of Ukrainian military capability. In so doing, Putin was not startled into trying to jump out of a boiling pot with tactical nuclear weapons.
and they are losing big time....ben is a phoney
"Hard to imagine someone worse than Putin," he said. Wasn't the same thing said about Saddam Hussein? I also recall the phrase "failure of imagination" being used as a reason for the inability to prevent the 9/11 attacks. So, yeah, "Russia is an empire that only benefits a few." Are we willing to risk the future of Western civilization in a nuclear catastrophe for the benefit of a select few in the Western empire? Those who benefit from the military-industrial complex are clearly the ones he works for, as he gaslights us in this interview
Pst! enjoy the clown show....
If only the White House had invited General Hodges into their "advisory circle" to address the Russian 2022 war on Ukraine. His message has been consistent since the invasion/war began. His insights have mostly proven to be accurate, given that he has been in no position to affect US policy or strategy and therefore affect the outcome. If only the US would listen to him!
lmao this is ridiculous. and ukraine is winning.
I think there has not been a greater case for lend-lease level war production since 1945 than Ukraine aid. It’s my single issue in the 2024 American election.
Great interview, good questions and follow-ups, and always a pleasure to listen to the insights of Hodges.
Thank you Mr. Hodges for your analysis on this invasion on Ukraine. I wish you could make the allies think like you. Definitely the Crimea bridge has to become inoperable. 🙏🇺🇦💙💛💕❤️🇨🇦
Thank him for what filling your head full of more ignorance?
Why does the Crimea Bridge have to become inoperable?
@@alexmillar5640because it's about all they can really do
@@chrislats8891 Well you could be right, it would seem that way. Certainly from what I can glean, Ukrainian front lines are collapsing everywhere, Kiev is in turmoil, and what would appear to be pointless (other than propaganda optic) operations are all they can mount.
Of course as far as the Kerch Bridge is concerned there have been some interesting developments recently (leaving aside the leaked German Army audio). David Cameron the U.K. 's Foreign Minister gave an interview to Reuters on the second of this month in which he stated the U.K. would have no issue with British supplied weapons to Ukraine being used against targets inside what I will call, Russia proper. In the wake of that the British Ambassador in Moscow was called to the Russian Federation's Foreign Office in Moscow, and judging by Kremlin accounts he was told that any such attack would be tantamount to an act of war, and that the U.K. could expect retaliation that would not necessarily be confined to British operatives or interests in Ukraine.
Given the apparent fixation in the West and the U.K. in particular, over attacking the Kerch Bridge ( civilian infrastructure) it is hard to imagine that the Kerch Bridge did not feature in the meeting between the Russian Foreign Ministry and the U.K. Ambassador. The Kerch Bridge after all has one end which starts in Russia proper. Interestingly enough, a few days later, the British newspaper the 'Independent' carried an article saying that satellite imagery taken by satellite specialists 'Moxar' and analysed by 'Molfar' ( a private intelligence service) show that the Russian Federation have more or less stopped using the Kerch Bridge for military purposes. In the last 3 months there has been one train load of 55 fuel cars, and that's it. It would appear that all Russian military freight now arrives via the land bridge ( the one that the good General above was telling us the Ukrainian Spring/Summer offensive of '23 would cut in half in weeks).
I have seen it suggested elsewhere that the timing of this article in the 'Independent' ie following the dressing down the U.K. Ambassador received in Moscow re any attack on Russia using British supplied weapons, is no coincidence. I wouldn't know.
The Crimean Bridge is not important to Russia, as they have now constructed a different rail line down to Crimea. Only 1 trainfull of fuel has used the bridge since Jan 2024. If ukraine blew it up now, it would have just as much effect to their success in the war as this comment. IE none.
I guess he's going to keep saying the same thing hoping one day he'll be proven correct. I remember he was talking about Ukraine retaking Crimea at the end of 2022. Just because this guy had a high ranking position it the military doesn't mean he knows what he's talking about. I hope he is proven correct in the end, but damn it's hard to take him seriously anymore.
From the Georgian invasion to the annexation of Crimea, the downing of MH-17 and the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, Germany has always found a way to forgive its friend to the east. This helped blaze Vladimir Putin’s path into Ukraine.
untrue - the EU buying russian oil for the past 40 years led to this outcome
Some long history of a ,,Love and hate" relation between the two, much to the dismay of all other Europe !
Germany wants peace and has this notion that if only Germany doesn't start wars then there will be peace in Europe. That was true for most of the XIX and XXth centuries. But now Germany is slowly, very slowly, but surely coming to the realization that passivity is not enough and an active contribution is necessary for peace to prevail. I have trust that Germans will make the right decisions in due course, albeit in their own time. Because Germany is the key to peace in Europe.
@@victormarian7889I see elements of Stockholm Syndrome in the relationship between Germany & Russia, especially when former East Germans are involved.
And polls in some Eastern German states indicate that pro-Russian parties could get the majoritity there in the mext elections
Judging by the title of this video, tells me that this discussion is based on fantasy
Slava Ukraini!
@@XRayXI Unfortunately, Ukraine as you know it will cease to exist once Russia is done with the SMO
@@Ksegger… how much is pootin’s troll factory paying you?
Indeed, talk they say is cheap!
I’ve been preparing every month for 2 years now
I would very much like to see General Hodges debate Scott Ritter on the subject of: Righteous Russia versus corrupt & failed Ukraine. Who's winning and who will ultimately be victorious?
"Righteous ruzzia" 🤣😅😆😆😆😂
That convicted pederast Ritter is not fit to shine the Generals boots.
General Hodges is a true officer and a gentleman, Ritter is a lowlife and a disgrace to the uniform he wore.
@@PeterA650 Keep laughing until the end.
Rather than thinking what happens if, it should be what happens when!
Immeasurably BASED General!
I disgree with this guy on almost every point, but it is good to hear his arguments in an objective forum, thanks.
I don't know why it is he thinks he gets to define, or America gets to define what is a normal country, not way we
think it is our business to take Crimea away from Russia. I do think the US should be the leader of the world, but
the way we have done it so far has not helped our image or rallied people to our side.
For our own purposes were have destroyed Ukraine, which I think is damn stupid. They are supposed to be a
democracy that we support, but Ukraine voted for peace when they put Zelensky in - and then the US coup
decided they knew what is best for Ukraine.
I think that about the only thing I'd like to get the General's opinion on, is the Russian mindset with regard to 'grandiosity' if that's the right word... I don't think that view will ever change no matter how badly they get beaten!
The Russian people have always taken enormous pride in being the largest country in the world and it seems that somehow it's their birthright to continue taking as much land as they can.
I don't think they even care whether that land is useless or not, as demonstrated by their invasion of Afghanistan in the 80s!
His view on Russia has not changed at all since the invasion happened and his opinions on how the West should deal with them have also been consistent.
It will change by natural selection.
As I understand it Russia itself is only a fraction of the size of the Russian Federation
@@johnswimcat you understood incorrectly. Remove national republics and Russia still will be huge. And even in most national republics russians are in the majority. "Historical" Russian land (Aka Moscovia) doesn't matter anymore. Far East with Vladivostok is as russian as Pskov oblast
@@chatnoir1224 All these national republics were created by the Bolsheviks. Actually, this is the same Russia.
Americans left Afghanistan in a hurry
Left their pants, underwear’s and 85 billion worth of equipment
Ben Hodges is always solid. Thanks for the interview
always solid, never right lol.
He is insane.
And what exactly is a "normal country"?
The one that agrees to western hegemony.
I think, it's the only guy I know who thinks that there is a fair chance for Ukraine to retake Crimea. "5 taurus missiles, we break the bridge and the Russians will withdraw", I have heard this explanation for 2 years. For me it's like thinking that the US could give up Hawaï. Everybody can have different ideas, but I would not bet a pebble of corn on it.
For Crimea it's the double reason of _real_ Russian-ethnic majority, but so much more important, the military aspect.
@@johanponken Only a majority because Stalin exiled the actual natives during WWII for fear they would side with the invaders. And they had not been allowed to return for decades. Read up on some of the fascinating history of this peninsula - the first foreign colonizers were Ancient Greeks in the 7th Century BCE; in the pre-Hunnish time, it was the home of the Goths, a Germanic tribe.
Yeah, that comparison makes sense. The US annexed Hawaii around 10 years ago, like Russia did with Crimea. And this was after the US had guaranteed Hawaii sovereignty in exchange for Hawaii giving up its nuclear weapons to the US, similar to the promises given by Russia to Ukraine in the Budapest Memorandum. No matter which aspect you look at, it's an impeccable analogy.
@@johanponken Around 50% were ethnic Russians and about 30% were ethnic Ukrainians in 2014. Of course this still doesn't really justify the operation, given that Russia promised to honor Ukraine's internationally recognized borders in 1994 in the Budapest Memorandum, in exchange for Ukraine giving up its nuclear weapons.
@@pedigreeann OK about Stalin, but the proportion today is still a fact. And the military. (I do enjoy the history.)
Always happy to hear Ben Hodges comment. Informative, clear language.
? clear lies?
@@phaidros-zs3hv putin lies to you
Ben Hodges is seriously deranged. Russia is winning hands down. Russia has 'escalatory dominance' as Barack Obama pointed out many years ago. With the western world failing in its sanctions barrage Russia had nothing to hinder its arrival at total victory in Ukraine.
This general is obviously in the pockets of arms manufacturers he is selling nothing but wishful thinking
@@phaidros-zs3hvto say that you must be worried
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