What James Lechner has said about Russian invasion of Ukraine

Lechner says American troops should not fight in Ukraine, though the U.S. should support Ukrainians who fight for themselves.

“I do not think US soldiers should be in there. I do not think American soldiers should shed their blood in there”

The Shawn Ryan Show: #346 James Lechner - Army Ranger Recounts the Battle of Mogadishu: Black Hawk Down (Oct 8, 2026) · Listen from 3:01:52

Lechner argues that Europe, especially Germany, has relied on U.S. security for decades and should pay for the war.

“In my view, Europe has just grown fat off us for the last 50 to 75 years”

The Shawn Ryan Show: #346 James Lechner - Army Ranger Recounts the Battle of Mogadishu: Black Hawk Down (Oct 8, 2026) · Listen from 3:02:28

Lechner argues that ending the war requires unified economic pressure on Russia and that Trump is the only leader who can marshal it.

“It's going to take unified economic pressure from Europe and the United States. I firmly believe President Trump is the only person that can do it”

The Shawn Ryan Show: #346 James Lechner - Army Ranger Recounts the Battle of Mogadishu: Black Hawk Down (Oct 8, 2026) · Listen from 3:12:26

Lechner says he tells Ukrainians they will not win militarily or regain their lost territory.

“You're not going to win militarily. You're not going to get your territory back”

The Shawn Ryan Show: #346 James Lechner - Army Ranger Recounts the Battle of Mogadishu: Black Hawk Down (Oct 8, 2026) · Listen from 3:18:01