Ex-US General Ben Hodges Outlines Possible Scenarios for End of Russia-Ukraine War

Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commander of US forces in Europe, has outlined several possible scenarios for the end of Russia's war against Ukraine, The Gaze reports, citing Ukrinform.

“I think there are three or four scenarios, or variations thereof,” said Hodges. 

The worst-case scenario is the complete collapse of Ukraine due to various factors, including a lack of political will, if the population becomes exhausted and support from Europe, the US, and Canada ceases.

According to him, such a development would pose a threat to all of Europe. “Then you will have a situation where Russia will not only take in thousands of Ukrainian soldiers, who will be forced to join the Russian army, but will soon begin to prepare for an invasion of Moldova or even a NATO country such as Latvia,” said the former commander of US forces in Europe.

The best-case scenario involves active support from the West and the US, where Ukraine’s victory over Russia will be seen as being in the interests of Western countries, given the economic benefits, as well as being important for the security of NATO countries.

The next scenario is somewhere in the middle, where things stay pretty much the same, with no major changes, unless something big happens outside of Ukraine.

“It's hard to imagine that the external situation will really change, but I hope that it might. For example, Russia's economy could totally crash, or something could happen to Putin,” he said, noting that it's not worth making plans based on hopes that something similar will happen.

Ben Hodges also stated in the interview that Ukraine's accession to NATO is beneficial to the US and Europe as well. Nevertheless, he suggested that Ukraine follow Israel's example until it gains membership in the Alliance.

This means that Ukrainians “will remain vigilant and fight Russian drones and missiles, just as Israelis fight Hezbollah.” According to him, Ukraine needs to continue developing its defense industry and forming regional alliances that will help protect its flanks, for example, in the Black Sea.

“And finally, I imagine that the HUR will be similar to Mossad. And every Russian officer who was in any way involved in the murder or attack on peaceful Ukrainians or any other war crimes will look under their car and look over their shoulder for the rest of their lives, because they will know that the HUR is waiting for them," added Hodges, claiming that this could be the most likely scenario. 

The Gaze previously reported on the expert’s analysis of the prospects and challenges of the third round of Ukraine-Russia negotiations, including potential outcomes, strategic motives, and key humanitarian issues.