On June 20, Mr Ben Hodges, retired Lieutenant General of the US Army and Senior Advisor to 'Human Rights First', delivered the second lecture at the National University of Ostroh Academy. The topic is "Prospects for Ukraine's accession to NATO."
The meeting was moderated by Eduard Balashov, Doctor of Science (Psychology), Full Professor, and Assistant Rector for International Cooperation and Fundraising of the NaUOA.
"I'm happy to get the privilege to be a friend of Ostroh Academy and to give lectures to incredible students, teachers and employees of the university ... I hope that the next time we meet, we could talk about the outcome of the (NATO ) Vilnius Summit, and what its implications are."
The most important quotes from Mr Ben Hodges' lecture are as follows:
- "None of us in the public is entitled to know exactly what's going on. This is not a movie. We know that the russians are going to use misinformation all the time for their own population, but also to confuse us. We already know that some of the pictures that came out in the first days of destroyed vehicles were, in fact, fake, and so this is part of the environment. I believe that the main attack has not even started."
- "It would be helpful, more helpful if the United States and other countries provided the long-range Precision weapons. The US president has responsibilities; he's not worried just about Ukraine or just about Europe. He's dealing with China, Iran, and North Korea. And, of course, his number one priority in Europe is keeping the Alliance together."
- "I don't expect that the Alliance will offer membership to Ukraine at the Vilnius Summit, and I don't think that we will hear of a map membership action plan as a formal offer. Unfortunately, Ukraine's prospects of joining NATO became even more complicated not only after the Bucharest summit, but especially after russia annexed Crimea and the start of the hybrid warfare in Donbas in 2014. Many people talk about the Israeli model, but it is worth considering whether it would really suit Ukraine, given the differences between the two countries. For example, Israel possesses nuclear weapons, which puts it on a different level. I hope that the summit will propose clear steps to improve Ukraine's defence capabilities and provide it with everything necessary to win the war with russia."
- "NATO and Europe will be much stronger when Ukraine becomes a full member of the Alliance. However, this decision is not an easy one, especially when russia is waging a full-scale war against Ukraine. But I am pretty optimistic about Ukraine's victory in the war, further cooperation with the US, and ultimately Ukraine's accession to NATO. It is crucial to win the war and achieve consensus among the Alliance member states on Ukraine's accession."
Olha Balatska, Candidate of Science (Law), Associate Professor, Director of the Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations and National Security, noted:
“Students, lecturers, and colleagues had a unique opportunity to hear expert opinions and answers to questions on the topical issue of the necessity and prospects of Ukraine's accession to NATO. General Ben Hodges provides optimistic analytical forecasts regarding Ukraine's victory, obtaining weapons, and the return of Crimea. We thank the general, appreciate the meaningful meetings with him, and look forward to the next series of discussions.”
Diana Vasylieva, a first-year student of the second (Master's) level of higher education majoring in International Relations, Public Communication and Regional Studies, shared her impressions of the meeting:
"I am grateful to Ostroh Academy for the opportunity to communicate with military professional Ben Hodges. During his lecture, he confirmed Ukraine's prospects for NATO membership after our victory over the aggressor, emphasising that Ukraine's accession would only strengthen the North Atlantic Alliance. He also highlighted that the US will continue to support Ukraine on its path to victory. It is a very valuable signal for us."
Anastasiia Strelchenko, a second-year student majoring in International Relations, Public Communication and Regional Studies, added that General Ben Hodges' lecture was valuable and informative:
“He shared his own vision of the results of the Vilnius summit and highlighted three important issues that will be on his agenda: analysis of the steps taken at last year's summit; expansion of the Alliance thanks to Sweden; and decisions regarding Ukraine. Special thanks for focusing attention on questions from professors and students. General Hodges gave comprehensive answers to questions regarding Euro-Atlantic security, the US elections, the likely new NATO Secretary General, and other issues.”
Yaroslav Burkut, a second-year student majoring in International Relations, Public Communication and Regional Studies, summed up:
"I heard many interesting opinions about the war in Ukraine and what it means for the world, particularly for the US. Ben Hodges shared his thoughts on the current security architecture in Europe and the US's role in building and supporting it. The most interesting and somewhat alarming comments made by the general concerned the upcoming US elections. Ben Hodges clearly outlined the positions of certain candidates. He commented on how American citizens perceive the current political situation. Ben Hodges paid particular attention to NATO, and he made a prediction about the results of the upcoming Alliance summit, scheduled for July this year. It was nice to hear his assessment of the situation on the front lines and how the general evaluates the early results of the Ukrainian counteroffensive."
Incidentally, on June 5, Ben Hodges gave his first lecture to students at Ostroh Academy on "The Current Situation, Strategic Approaches to Overcoming russian Aggression, and Prospects for Ending the War."
