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ConflictsUkraine

Ben Hodges: Europe has the power but not the political will

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February 22, 2026

Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war is far from over — and its outcome remains uncertain. In an exclusive interview, DW asked retired US General Ben Hodges what went wrong and what's next.

Retired General Ben Hodges criticizes US leadership for lacking a clear objective, calls President Donald Trump's negotiation strategy "doomed from the start" and explains how NATO emerged stronger with the addition of Sweden and Finland. He also delivers a stark message to Europe: the power to stop Russia exists — but the political will does not.

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