Former US General Ben Hodges: Ukraine War Unlikely to Conclude by 2026.

US General Assesses Ukraine War Timeline

According to Novyny.live: Former US Army Europe commander Ben Hodges has expressed skepticism that the full-scale war in Ukraine will end by 2026. He stated that Russia shows no interest in a peace process and continues its military operations on Ukrainian territory. Hodges emphasized that without sufficient pressure on the Russian government, the country will persist in its aggressive actions.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Ben Hodges noted:

'No, I do not believe the war will end this year, because the Russians are not interested in that.' - Ben Hodges

He further stressed that the situation could only change through active measures by the international community against Russian aggression. 'As long as there is no pressure on the Russian government, they will continue to do what they are doing,' the general added. His comments reflect a broader consensus among Western analysts that the conflict is entering a protracted phase.

Challenges and the Critical Need for International Support

Hodges's remarks come amid new geopolitical challenges, including during the presidency of Donald Trump in the United States, and against the backdrop of efforts by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stabilize the regional situation. The former commander's statements underscore the vital importance of sustained international support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.

General Hodges's assessment points to the complex and enduring nature of the conflict in Ukraine, which demands proactive engagement from the global community. The lack of Russian readiness for negotiations and the necessity of applying pressure on its government leave open questions about the feasibility of a peaceful resolution. In this context, allied support remains decisive for Ukraine's fight to preserve its territorial integrity and sovereignty.