Fri May 16 19:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the text:

**Summary:**

Former U.S. Army Europe Commander General Ben Hodges has stated that the shift of U.S. military priority from Europe to the Pacific is inevitable. He believes the White House has lost patience with Putin and that Ukraine can still prevail despite reduced Western aid. Hodges suggests increased pressure on Russia’s oil and gas industry, particularly via the Baltic Sea, could significantly hinder their war efforts. He also believes Donald Trump is now “irritated” by Putin and may take action. While some U.S. military personnel and equipment are being relocated within Poland, Hodges downplays the impact on overall U.S. presence in Europe while anticipating army downsizing in the next few years. He says despite the shifts, current USAREUR commander Christopher Cavoli believes Ukraine is winning on the battlefield.

**News Article:**

**U.S. Military Pivot to Pacific Inevitable, But Ukraine Can Still Win, Says Former Commander**

**WARSAW (Fakt/News Report)** – The United States is on a course to shift its military focus from Europe to the Pacific, according to former U.S. Army Europe Commander General Ben Hodges. In an interview with Polish news outlet *Fakt*, Hodges stated that the move, long discussed within the U.S., is now “inevitable” and could be formally announced following the upcoming NATO summit.

Hodges suggested that the White House has grown impatient with Vladimir Putin, particularly after realizing the Russian president’s lack of sincerity. He also expressed optimism about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, even with reduced Western support.

“It was a mistake of Russia because now President Trump is really irritated. Let’s hope that he will use this leverage that he has against Russia to help destroy their oil and gas industry, put more sanctions on them, and also start resuming the deliveries of aid or sales of arms to Ukraine,” Hodges said.

Hodges emphasized that despite challenges, Ukraine is not without hope. He cited testimony from current U.S. Army Europe Commander General Christopher Cavoli, who believes Ukraine is “winning on the battlefield.” He further suggested that increased pressure on Russia’s energy sector, specifically hindering oil and gas exports through the Baltic Sea, could cripple Russia’s ability to wage war.

“If the West really put pressure on the Russian oil and gas industry, prevented them from exporting oil and gas – for example, through the Baltic Sea, where, of course, the Polish Navy can help with that – that would make it much more difficult for Russia to continue to wage war. So I am optimistic about Ukraine,” Hodges added.

While acknowledging the planned relocation of some U.S. military personnel and equipment within Poland, Hodges downplayed the impact on overall U.S. presence in Europe. He predicted a potential downsizing of the U.S. Army in the coming years, which could affect troop levels across the continent.

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