"Russia will collapse within a year": Hodges names conditions under which this will happen

If Donald Trump recognizes that Ukraine's victory in the fight against Russian aggression is in the interests of the United States and provides Kyiv with all the assistance it needs, Russia will collapse within a year. However, even in this scenario, Ukraine will need reliable protection against a possible repeat Russian attack.

This was stated by the former commander of the US Army in Europe, retired General Ben Hodges. He was quoted by Ukrinform.

Hodges took part in a virtual discussion within the framework of the European Policy Center (EPC) on the topic "2025 is a decisive year for Ukraine". He answered a question from the publication's correspondent about the likely actions of the new White House team to end the war in Ukraine.

"I cannot predict what President Trump will do. But I think he may realize how weak Putin is and how terrible the situation in the Russian economy is. If he does, then, in the interest of deterring China, I hope he can help Ukraine defeat Russia," the general said.

At the same time, Ben Hodges reminded that Ukraine, due to its geographical location, will continue to be at the center of events. In view of this, the general emphasized that the issue of protecting Ukraine from possible new aggressions by Russia could be considered only after it joins NATO or if a significant Western military contingent is deployed on Ukrainian territory.

"If Ukraine is in NATO or has a strong American or European presence on its territory, then it may be in a stronger position. The most important step for the US president would be to declare that Ukraine's victory over Russia is in America's interest and we will do whatever it takes to help Ukraine win. If he does that, Russia will collapse within a year," Hodges summarized.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

Earlier, Trump said that he plans to meet with Putin "as soon as possible" and is sure that he is also waiting for a meeting because the war has not gone "very well for him." However, this meeting can only take place after Trump's inauguration on January 20.

Donald Trump's former special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Kurt Volker, said that the president-elect will try to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible and as fairly as possible for Kyiv. According to him, Trump and his entourage agree that Ukraine "needs to demonstrate a position of strength". To do this, it is necessary to continue to provide weapons to Kyiv.

The future head of the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, assured that Donald Trump wants to achieve a peace that is beneficial to Ukraine. According to him, it is clear to everyone in the Russian-Ukrainian war who the aggressor is.

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