9 July 2026
Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges says the NATO summit in Ankara was a success because it showed the alliance is still united, despite Donald Trump’s unpredictable rhetoric. He argues that Europe is finally realizing it has the military and economic strength to defend itself and support Ukraine, even if Washington becomes less reliable.
Hodges welcomes Trump’s friendlier comments about Ukraine but says he’ll only believe there’s a real policy shift when he sees concrete actions, like more air defense systems and weapons deliveries. He also believes Ukraine’s strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure have changed the momentum of the war and could seriously weaken the Kremlin’s ability to keep fighting.
At the same time, he warns against overconfidence, saying now is exactly the time to increase pressure on Russia, not ease up.
Taco will have to deliver to regain a small bit of credibility. He is too fickle, too unreliable, and too treacherous to believe his usually empty words.