Putin agreeing to demilitarized zone in Ukraine is 'fantasy' — Gen. Hodges

American military commander General Ben Hodges expressed this opinion in an interview with Antin Borkovskyi, host of the Studio West program on Espreso TV.

"I think the U.S. administration's approach to Ukraine is to try to end the war as quickly as possible, but without regard for international law or principles of sovereignty. It appears that the administration views Ukraine as a big real estate deal. And that's why they openly talk about Ukraine having to give up territory for the sake of peace. Which, obviously, will not be acceptable to any Ukrainian and should not be acceptable to anyone else, because it rewards Russian aggression," Hodges emphasized.

According to the general, the U.S. administration's approach was doomed from the start because they were never interested in the origins of the war. They could never say that Russia is the aggressor, and all the pressure is directed at Ukraine to make concessions. Currently, there is no one in Ukraine or Europe who would trust or believe even for a second that Putin will honor any agreement.

"So the idea that Putin would somehow agree to create a demilitarized zone is a fantasy. The Russians will fill it instantly, if not with the Russian army, then they'll use the Rosgvardia or other so-called separatists. And it will be too late for the U.S. to do anything about it. And I don't think there are any guarantees like Article 5," Hodges noted.

The general added that the only real guarantee for Ukraine is to make itself as protected as possible through sufficient military capability, defense industry, and continued attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure.

"These are the things that will be important for Ukraine's security in the future. Europe must take responsibility and help protect Ukraine, because if Ukraine falls, all the consequences will end up in Europe anyway: millions of new Ukrainian refugees, constant energy and food disruptions, and then Russian threats to the Baltic states or Poland. So Europe will have to fill the gaps where the U.S. is falling short," Hodges concluded.

• On December 25, Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with U.S. President's special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding the settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine. According to the head of state, the parties discussed some significant details of the work and "good ideas that could work toward a common result and lasting peace."