In brief
The retired US lieutenant general linked difficulties over Patriot supplies to Washington's political choices in remarks reported by UNIAN.
Retired US Army Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges accused President Donald Trump's administration of weakening Ukraine's defences to pressure Kyiv into accepting territorial concessions to Russia. UNIAN reported his remarks on October 21, citing an interview with Euronews.
Hodges argued that Washington's approach had been apparent from the administration's early weeks. He linked difficulties over Patriot interceptor supplies to deliberate political choices and expressed pessimism about a future agreement. Those statements describe his assessment of US policy and motives; UNIAN's account did not announce a new US supply decision.
Former US ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker, also quoted in the report, said the American approach had consequences for Ukrainians' lives. He urged European governments to prepare an alternative security plan in case US support declined.
Hodges called for stronger sanctions on Russia and tougher measures against its shadow fleet. Both men urged Europe to respond more firmly to Russian hybrid operations. Their remarks were calls for action, rather than announcements of adopted measures.