Hodges shared his opinions in an interview with NV.
"Ukraine is planning to recapture Crimea, and I really hope that this will happen by the end of the summer, provided that Western countries deliver Ukraine everything they need and ask for, and, of course, missiles of the right range," Hodges said.
He emphasized that the occupied peninsula is a crucial territory for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
"The Ukrainian command is doing a very good job, I'm generally impressed with the way they are conducting this military campaign, their approach is thorough and professional. How they are building up resources, how they are not giving the opponent the opportunity to make a significant breakthrough anywhere, and how they are building up resources for the spring military campaign, because Crimea is important for you. Crimea is a crucial territory for you," the general emphasized.
On January 2, Ben Hodges said that Ukraine could return the occupied Crimea by the fall if it receives the promised weapons and Western sanctions against Russia are maintained.