General Hodges named four possible scenarios for the end of the war in Ukraine
25 July 2025 18:25
Former U.S. Army Commander in Europe, retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges outlined several possible scenarios for the end of the Russian-Ukrainian war. He said this in an interview with Ukrinform, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to Hodges, “there are three or four main scenarios or their variations.”
The best case scenario is a decisive mobilization of the West and the realization that Ukraine’s victory is in the strategic interest of the United States and its allies.
“Not out of mercy for Ukraine, but because it is in our interests – for our economy, for the stability of food and energy supplies, and for deterring China,” the general explained.
In this case, he believes, Russia will remain within its borders, and Ukraine will be in a strong position.
The worst-case scenario, which Hodges considers unlikely, is a loss of political will in the West and fatigue in societies. Such a scenario could lead to the absorption of Ukrainian territories, the mobilization of Ukrainians into the Russian army, and subsequently to new Russian aggression, for example, against Moldova or even NATO countries, including Latvia.
The general calls the “intermediate scenario”the most realistic: the war will continue in the same form for at least another year, unless there are some significant external changes, such as a complete economic collapse of Russia or changes in the Kremlin leadership.
However, he emphasized, one cannot build a strategy on hopes alone.
Another scenario is Ukraine’s transition to an Israeli-type model: the country remains outside NATO, but builds a defense system that is as unacceptable as possible to the aggressor.
“This does not mean daily fighting, but constant readiness to fight missiles and drones, like Israel does with Hezbollah,” Hodges said.
He also emphasized the importance of developing Ukraine’s defense industry and creating regional alliances, particularly to protect its flanks in the Black Sea.
In conclusion, Hodges suggested that Ukrainian intelligence could emulate the Israeli Mossad:
“Every Russian officer involved in war crimes will look back and look under their car for the rest of their lives, knowing that the GUR is waiting for them,” he concluded.
