Defending Freedom: Former US Army Chief backs Ukraine’s right to hit back at Russia | DW News

Ben Hodges, a former US Army Commander in Europe, told DW that the Ukrainian attack on Russian soil is in line with Western policy. In an in-depth interview with Ines Pohl, DW's Washington Bureau Chief, he said: "Ukraine has the right to defend itself, which includes eliminating areas, sanctuaries from which Russia is attacking Ukrainian towns and villages and killing innocent Ukrainian citizens. (...) Ukraine has no interest in conquering Russian territory, but this will help force the Russians to recalculate what they're doing."

Asked about possible German tanks on Russian soil, he said: "I mean, I understand the point or the perceived dilemma, and this is the kind of thing that the Russians and the Kremlin will use. They will point to this. So this is the time for the German government, for the Bundestag, to be calm and cool and recognize that this is Ukraine defending itself against Russia's attack."

Asked about the support for Ukraine from a possible Harris White House, he said: "Kamala's vice presidential pick, Governor Walsh, is a Ukraine hawk. So my sense is that it will at least remain steady, if not get better. And, of course, it always depends on Congress and the makeup of Congress as well."

Talking about the election outcome, he said: "So, yeah, I think that's probably the best thing I could say is a lot is going to happen between now and November the fifth. And I always believe that positive leadership versus division ultimately always wins."

For more news go to

Follow DW on social media:

Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie

#Russia #Ukraine #USA