Former U.S. Army Europe Commander Ben Hodges has advocated for substantial security commitments to Ukraine, suggesting the deployment of several thousand Western troops. In remarks to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Hodges stated that without a significant on-the-ground Western military presence, equipped with clear rules of engagement and credible capabilities, security guarantees would lack substance.
Hodges emphasized the necessity for Russia to understand that Western forces would be authorized to respond to provocations, such as missile or drone attacks. He posited that a visible deployment of Western soldiers – incorporating air defense systems, long-range weaponry and artillery and integrated within Ukraine’s defensive structures – would be the most effective deterrent against further Russian aggression.
Acknowledging Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stated opposition to Western military presence near its borders, Hodges expressed skepticism regarding the seriousness of current security guarantee discussions. He highlighted a lack of concrete commitments from former President Donald Trump, noting a pattern of announcements followed by limited action.
Hodges characterized the recent wave of European leaders traveling to Washington for discussions as indicative of deep-seated mistrust and concern that Europe could be left vulnerable to Russian aggression. He suggests the visits underscore anxieties regarding the reliability of future security assurances.