Trump and his team already changing tone on Ukraine - General Hodges

After his inauguration, US President-elect Donald Trump is likely to adjust the position on Ukraine voiced by him and his entourage during the election campaign.

This opinion was expressed by the former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe, General Ben Hodges, Ukrinform reports citing the hromadske media outlet.

Hodges said that he had not personally heard that future Vice President James Vance made anti-Ukrainian statements after the election.

“The new US National Security Advisor Mike Volz generally supports Ukraine. Senator Marco Rubio, the candidate for the post of US Secretary of State, has a pro-Ukrainian position,” the general noted.

He agreed that there are people in Trump's inner circle who are in favor of freezing the war and against Ukraine's accession to NATO.

Trump himself and his team, the former commander noted, have already begun to change their tone.

“I didn't vote for Trump, but he will be the president of the United States from January 20. I have to admit that I am encouraged by some of the things I heard from General Keith Kellogg, whom Trump plans to appoint as the US Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia. Over the past few days, I've been listening carefully to what Kellogg has been saying in the public space. He is very supportive of Ukraine and is a real hawk on Russia,” Hodges said.

The general admitted that he was stunned to learn of the likely appointment of Tulsi Gabbard, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives known for her pro-Russian stance, as director of the National Intelligence Agency.

In his opinion, Gabbard will get the job, but she will follow instructions from the White House.

The ex-commander believes that the new US administration will not turn away from Ukraine and understands the need to provide everything necessary until Russia retreats.

As reported by Ukrinform, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha said that Zelensky and Trump have already established direct contacts, and their teams are also working on establishing direct working realistic channels to exchange views on various issues that need to be addressed.

Photo: LRT nuotr