On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, former commander of the U.S. Army Europe, retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, said in a brief interview with LB.ua that he doesn’t trust negotiations with Russia, and believes that Ukraine can afford to disagree with any behind-the-scenes agreements between Washington and Moscow, if there are any.
What do you think could be a system of security guarantees for Ukraine?
I think the best guarantee for Ukraine is what you do for yourself. And how European countries help develop the defense industry. I don’t know what exactly the U.S. means when talking about guarantees, and I don’t know which specific mechanisms they are considering.
Do you consider the demands to Ukraine regarding Donbas and proposals for stopping hostilities along the front line acceptable?
First of all, I absolutely do not trust Russia to ever adhere to such agreements unless forced to. Until I see something that really forces Russia to do so, it simply won’t happen.
Russia constantly talks about negotiations, creating, so to speak, an “incentive atmosphere”. Do you believe that the USA and Russia can agree on something between themselves — without considering Ukraine’s position?
In any case, if Ukraine does not agree with this, then it doesn’t matter at all. Whatever the USA and Russia might agree on means nothing. What matters is what Ukraine agrees to. That’s why I find it regrettable that the U.S. administration puts so much pressure on Ukraine instead of pressuring Russia.
Do you still have faith in the Euro-Atlantic future?
Listen, I don’t like the administration’s rhetoric regarding NATO, and I am concerned about the issue of trust. But ultimately, I am convinced that the United States will fulfill its obligations.
Photo: Serhiy Illin / Victor Pinchuk Foundation
