– The Russians should be concerned that if they continue their behavior, they will have to face mounting economic consequences. And they will have to deal with the fact that many countries will support Ukraine, the US military official explains.
In his opinion, the West should change its attitude and stop worrying about Russian threats. – However, Moscow has zero credibility. Of course no one in Europe or America believed their declarations, he adds.
General Hodges cites French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to send NATO troops to Ukraine as an example of his own narrative and pressure on Russia. – Even if Macron doesn't really want to send troops, it's a good strategic move. We should look for opportunities like this. It doesn't matter whether it's replacing forces, providing Ukraine with new equipment or organizing exercises, the expert says.
General Ben Hodges was highly critical of Russia. “They must feel the pain”
– To create dilemmas for Russia in the Middle East and Africa. They should feel the pain and use such opportunities economically. A good example of such a move would be closing the Danish Straits to the Russians, he explains.
General Hodges believes that “the West must understand that it is at war with Russia.” As he notes, “Russia is at war with us, but we're not with Russia — that's the way of thinking.”
– However, the Kremlin uses all means of pressure, including disinformation, threats, espionage, cyberattacks, election interference, GPS signal jamming, and threats to use nuclear weapons. Everything that falls in between. This is what they do. If we want to be serious and understand how they work, we'll be elsewhere. Still, many people in the West don't want to provoke Russia and believe we should force them to negotiate, the general says.
General Hodges: These are Ukraine's goals in the war with Russia
The former commander of US troops in Europe says the West needs to change its perception of strategic goals. – Ukraine defeats Russia and returns to 1991 borders. That is the goal. However, we must make it happen. Now is the time for broader strategic thinking. For example, defeating Russia would isolate Iran. This will also affect China, which sees a firmly united West, he insists.
The American expert also points to the goal for Ukraine for 2024. – I think General Chirsky's task this year is to stabilize the front so that Russia does not gain territory. The general also needs to reorganize the army which will require more soldiers. However, this requires legislative changes, which have been stalled. 2024 will be a career racing year. We must develop our capabilities and provide Ukraine with the resources it needs. Together we are many times more powerful than Russia, says General Hodges.
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