What’s next in Ukraine: Ex-US Army Europe commander’s take on 2023 | Conflict Zone

Ben Hodges tells DW he remains optimistic of Ukraine’s prospects for victory over the next 12 months. Speaking to Tim Sebastian for a Conflict Zone special, the former US Army Europe commander said it might be “too early to plan a victory parade“ but Ukraine had made “irreversible gains.” Hodges also said he expected Ukrainian forces to retake Crimea from Russia in 2023. Moscow illegally annexed the territory in 2014. Let us know what you think in the comments below and thanks for watching. 0:00 Welcome to Ben Hodges 0:14 NATO strategic objectives in Ukraine war 0:40 Restoration of sovereignty in Crimea & return of deportees 1:14 Concern about escalation, Western concerns about Russian defeat & implications with China 1:44 Divergence with UKraine & Chancellor Olaf Scholz and pre-war peace order 2:05 Business as usual with Kremlin? 2:39 Future of Russian Federation 3:17 Future of rules-based international order 3:30 Future of Ukrainian economy, return of r