Retired US Army Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commander of US Army Europe, has called on European nations to act more unitedly and show greater self-confidence against Russia, according to a report from Swedish public broadcaster SVT. Hodges stated that Russia should be afraid of provoking Europe, not the other way around. He pointed out that EU countries together with Norway, the United Kingdom, and Canada collectively have significantly larger population, economy, military capabilities, and industry than Russia.
'Why are Europeans so afraid of Russia? Russia should be afraid of provoking you,' Hodges was quoted as saying. The retired general, who served 38 years in the US military, described himself as a lifelong Republican but said he supported Donald Trump's opponents in the last two elections.
He criticized how the current US president has handled Ukraine and suggested that US hesitation is why Europe must do more. Hodges expressed skepticism about any imminent ceasefire or peace agreement, citing Russia's lack of interest. The report also noted that Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyj criticized European leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos for not acting strongly or quickly enough in various foreign policy crises, including the war in Ukraine.
Zelenskyj reportedly said Europe loves to discuss the future but avoids taking actions here and now that could shape that future.