In the fields Munich Security Conference former commander of US Ground Forces in Europe, retired lieutenant general Ben Hodges told LB.ua in a Blitzinterview that he has no confidence in negotiations with Russia, and believes that Ukraine can afford not to agree to the under-the-floor agreements of Washington and Moscow, if there are any. General Hodges also believes that Ukraine can provide real security guarantees only on its own.
What do you think the system could be security guarantees for Ukraine?
I think that the best guarantee for Ukraine is what you do for yourself. And how European countries help to develop the defense industry. I don’t know exactly what the US means when they talk about guarantees, and I don’t know what specific mechanisms they are considering.
You consider the requirements for Ukraine to be acceptable regarding Donbass and proposals to stop hostilities on the front line
First, I absolutely do not trust Russia to ever abide by such agreements unless forced to do so. Until I see something that actually forces Russia to comply, it’s just not going to happen.
Russia talks about negotiations all the time, creating, relatively speaking, an “encouraging atmosphere.” Do you believe that the USA and the Russian Federation can agree on something between themselves – without taking into account the position of Ukraine
In any case, if Ukraine does not agree with this, then it does not matter at all. What the US and Russia can agree on means nothing. What Ukraine will agree to is decisive. That is why I find it unfortunate that the US administration is putting so much pressure on Ukraine instead of putting pressure on Russia.
You have confidence in the future of the Euro-Atlantic future
Look, I don’t like the administration’s rhetoric about NATO, and I worry about the credibility issue. But in the end, I am convinced that the United States will fulfill its obligations.
