Retired US General Hodges: Trump's presidency poses serious risks for Ukraine and NATO | DW News

Trump has said he could end Russia's war in Ukraine in one day. Some commentators have interpreted that as giving in to Russian President Vladimir Putin's demands over the heads of Ukrainians. Neverthelss, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky posted his congratulations on X:

"I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the “peace through strength” approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together. We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States."

For more on Trump's presidency and his foreign policy, we talk to retired US General Ben Hodges and to Boris Vormann, professor of politics and director of the politics section at Bard College Berlin.

00:00 Interview with Ben Hodges
15:44 Studio talk with Boris Vormann

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[Mike-mmmx]

Nice to hear someone of his experience and ability say he feels foolish about the election. Shows he has humility and a capacity to learn. We are all guilty of wishful thinking at times. Europe will have to step up if USA takes a back seat there is no other way.

[camrenwick]

The forest was shrinking but the trees kept voting for the axe for the axe was clever and convinced the trees that because his handle was made of wood he was one of them

[Lila-vkni]

In Americans' minds the EU is more united than it is in reality. With Trump in the US am expecting the rise of far right parties throughout Europe.

[lisbethmllegaard]

I always feel a little calmer after listening to Hodges

[shirleyhaugaard]

It’s in EVERYBODIES best interest to keep the Russians in Russian borders and out of Ukraines internationally recognised borders including Crimea

[Gldfingers]

Time to wake up EU and Britain the American people have voted and we are on our own essentially so we need EU forces and Weapons, now or never.

[troy]

Europe had years to prepare for this but failed.

[arktseytlin]

Germany was absolutely instrumental in enabling and emboldening Putin

[nicholaidajuan]

There is a lot of talk about the US turning away from the world. I expect that a majority of the world will now turn away from the US

[TheRecordSelector]

A side of America was revealed to me that I never in my life thought could exist to this degree. I had always thought that we were better people than this. Very disappointed in the character of America today.

[Fernguy.]

Hodgers is right, this is something for Europe to fix! 👍 we have to step up our support and get fully behind Ukraine to win, not only to get bye. It is our own security that is on the line. 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇩🇰🇩🇰🇪🇺🇪🇺

[BaileyJames-zvddd]

Each day, we encounter challenges that have become normal. What once felt like a crisis is now our reality, and we need to adjust. With the economy in turmoil, how can we enhance our income? I can’t afford to lose my 380k in savings after all my effort

[anniemoore]

Thank you General Hodges for being an intelligent American speaking the day after Trump tragically being re-elected.

[KaijaKFanpages]

Ben is one of the BIGGEST supporters of Ukraine. We need people like him, who are holding the fort, when everything else seems to be failing at the moment. Keep up the good work!

🇺🇦Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦

[marcelrenes]

We must keep supporting Ukraine! It's up to Europe now! Greetings from The Netherlands.

[SanctuaryGardenLiving]

Please America, Joe Biden and all our elected officials, PLEASE send Ukraine EVERYTHING we can right NOW!

[PinPointEye]

The final comments about why Trump was elected were true and very revealing. If the value you put on personal gain is put above your desire to defend democracy and your democratic rights, then ultimately your losses will be far greater.

[Thomas..Anderson]

As always, Ben Hodges, the voice of reason.

[anoniem]

3:25 - I am surprised General Hodges thinks the war Russia started against Ukraine is a test for Europe and not for the US. The US, Russia and Ukraine signed a trilateral agreement in 1994, where the US promised to protect Ukraine once they got rid of their nuclear weapons. Russia attacking Ukraine is more a US problem, then it is a EU problem.

[Camerooonify]

I think we all underestimated just how many americans were comfortable electing a president so deeply in bed with the Kremlin. Thats what is so concerning.