Trump's election as president could embolden Putin, warns former US general

Nato nations must "wake up to the fact of who and what Russia is" otherwise the danger posed by Moscow is only going to increase, a former senior US Army general has warned.

Lieutenant General (Retired) Ben Hodges, a former commanding general of US Army Europe, said President-elect Donald Trump's approach to Nato could provide the Kremlin with an opportunity.

Lt Gen Hodges told BFBS Forces News: "Nobody should be surprised by anything that Mr Trump does or says.

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"This is not just about defence spending, this is about the full range of understanding who and what that threat is.

"Nations will have to be practical because this is who the American people have elected."

Lt Gen Hodges said countries like the UK, Germany and Poland would need to start thinking and acting in their own best interests.

He also said Kyiv would  be "looking for a relationship with the Trump administration that's invested in helping Ukraine, not just survive, but win" which he said looked unlikely from what was seen from Mr Trump.

Key to the future of Ukraine will be the appointments of Secretary of State, Secretary of Defence and National Security Adviser in the White House as these would "give some indication of direction" and intent to Ukraine.

Lt Gen Hodges was asked whether Mr Trump was right to pursue a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

"We keep looking past what's really important, which is what is the strategic outcome that all of us want and need," Lt Gen Hodges said.

"Instead of talking about a deal or negotiation or whatever, why are we not committed to defeating Russia?

"Because there's not going to ever be peace, not in a long-term permanent sense in Europe or in the region, as long as Russia is rewarded for what it does.

"If we adopted a strategic approach of helping Ukraine defeat Russia first, that would lead to the isolation of Iran, it would lead to isolation of North Korea."

This in turn, he said, would communicate to China that "the West has the political will, as well as industrial capacity and military capability, to do all of those things".

"Right now, I think the Chinese are watching and they're not so impressed," Lt Gen Hodges added.