General Hodges on Retaking Crimea, NATO in Ukraine and Russian Collapse | Ep. 21 Gen. Ben Hodges

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

[goldeagle]

This must be so frustrating for Gen. Hodges. He has been saying this for 2 years now.

[roboutico]

I‘m from Germany and i have to say, that our Politicians habe much to learn from Mr. Hodges! Especially our Chancellor.

[alexi]

"Kill the archer, don't intercept the arrows." - great way to explain it. Thanks General Hodges

[Gajdosh]

I had no idea we have such great podcasters in CZ :) skvělé interview, Dominiku

[ninastone]

"We've allowed ourselves to become victims" - well said Mr. Hodges

[Phaedrus]

General Hodges should be appointed as a special military advisor to lead the US effort in the support of Ukraine. He is simply phenomenal.

[TheRealSlimshadyyyyyy]

How long have they been saying prepare for a Russian collapse now

[markyx]

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...?

[mhpt]

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!

[harrybarrow]

The ancient Romans understood, “If you wish for peace, prepare for war.”

[well]

Jacques Baud : "well, I'am sometimes concerned about the level of our Generals"

[johnmiller]

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.

[MrWilderNapalm]

Never start a war you can't afford to lose.

[ffqrzsf]

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.

[richardcurley]

Excellent interview. Both the interviewer and interviewee do their jobs very well.

[denillefleming]

General Hodges has a clear, unwavering focus on our commitment to Ukraine winning the war!

[frc]

Hodges predicted Ukraine’s summer offensive would take Crimea last year, that didn’t happen .

[TimvanderWeyden]

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.

[-Gramps]

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!

[michaelrichie]

General Hodges, sir, your ability to see strategic importance of keeping the enemy guessing about your intentions. I hope your input gets directly to whom makes military decision. Your military acumen and charity must fall on all of our leaders ears.