Analysis by Lieutenant General Ben Hodges on the Military Situation in Ukraine
In a Times Radio Frontline interview recorded on June 4, 2026, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Ben Hodges assessed Ukraine’s strikes on St. Petersburg, the isolation of Crimea, shifting battlefield dynamics, and criticized the U.S. administration’s stance on the war. He stated that Russian forces cannot halt Ukraine, which continues to build its capacity to hit targets deep inside Russia. Hodges noted that 12 years have passed since Russia’s first invasion, and Ukraine keeps demonstrating its strength.
Ukrainian drones flew roughly five hours to reach St. Petersburg, striking an oil refinery and a naval dry dock. According to Hodges, Russia’s battlefield advances have turned negative for the first time since 2023: last month, Ukraine reclaimed more territory than Russia occupied. He also pointed out that Ukraine’s medium-range strikes now reach up to 200 kilometers deep, severely complicating the situation for Russian troops.
The Kerch Bridge’s Importance and the U.S. Position
Hodges emphasized the Kerch Bridge, which is so damaged it can no longer support heavy loads. This forces Russia to rely on a land corridor along the northern Azov Sea coast, which lies entirely within range of Ukrainian drones.
“The Kerch Bridge—I can’t wait for the day it finally goes underwater,” he remarked.Ukrainians are systematically dismantling transport links, which Hodges said will lead to Crimea’s isolation.
The discussion also touched on the U.S. role in the war. Hodges criticized the Trump administration for halting aid to Ukraine, warning this could have serious consequences.
“What a humiliating abdication of leadership. We will regret this,” he declared.He further stressed that Russia has suffered enormous losses over the past year with little to show for it. “The momentum seems to have shifted across nearly all fronts,” he added.
Regarding Ukrainian troops, Hodges noted that while they sustain casualties, creating a kill zone allows them to hold ground with fewer personnel than before. “200 days in a trench, knowing that every day some drone is hunting for you—that’s a lot,” he said. He also highlighted that more voices are now calling for an end to the war, reflecting a change in sentiment.
Hodges concluded that Russian forces are unlikely to succeed under current conditions, while Ukrainians remain determined to fight on, understanding that stopping could lead to severe consequences. “They are ready to go as long as it takes to win,” the lieutenant general summarized.
This analysis shows that the military situation in Ukraine, especially on the front lines, continues to evolve, with Ukrainian forces proving capable of effectively responding to challenges. As Hodges noted, the stance of the U.S. and the international community will also shape future developments. Given current trends, monitoring the situation closely is crucial, as shifting dynamics could have far-reaching implications for the region and global security.
As the situation evolves, it's crucial to understand how Ukraine's recent military actions have shifted the balance of power. For a deeper insight into this transformation and the implications for the ongoing conflict, read more about how Ukraine has gained the upper hand on the battlefield.