'They're real estate guys who want to make deal, get out': Gen. Hodges on Russia talks

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

"Only Ukraine should decide whether it is ready to trade away its sovereign territory. And I disagree that pressure from the U.S. is being applied only on Ukraine to make concessions. When I see Mr. Witkoff and Mr. Kushner talking with President Putin, it does not give me confidence. Because these guys are people from the real estate sphere. They want to make a deal and get out of there. And that guy, Putin, will never honor any agreement," Hodges emphasized.

According to the general, no one on the planet should trust Putin. The only way to negotiate with Russia is to be strong and tough and not give in to their demands. Unfortunately, U.S. Secretary of State Mr. Rubio has put all the pressure on Ukraine to make concessions.

"I don't think this is the path to a lasting, just peace. Unless Europe or the U.S. are willing to deploy troops there to guarantee it. And so far I don't see that. But again, all the pressure, all the risk lies on Ukraine's shoulders. So I'm uncomfortable saying that Ukraine should not accept a deal, because it's the Ukrainians who are paying the price. And I think it should be the Ukrainian people who decide.

I hope for the sake of Ukraine, as well as for the sake of Europe and all of us, that the result will be an end to hostilities with Russia's defeat, forcing it to live within its own borders, so that Ukraine has protected borders and Russia remains within its own. That's the best outcome," Hodges concluded.

• Ivan Tymochko, head of the Council of Reservists, noted that the Kremlin has signaled to Russian business that it's committed to continuing the war and capturing all of the Donetsk region.