Retired US General Ben Hodges delivered a pointed critique of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, highlighting significant weaknesses despite recent territorial gains.
His assessment, shared with the Kyiv Independent, underscores ongoing debates about Russia’s military capabilities and Ukraine’s defense strategies.
Russia’s Performance Slammed
The former commander of the United States Army Europe, Ben Hodges, bluntly criticized Russia’s military performance in Ukraine.
He told the Kyiv Independant, “their navy sucks, their air force sucks, and they’ve lost half a million soldiers.”
Casualty Figures Unclear
While Hodges cited a casualty figure of half a million Russian soldiers, the accuracy remains uncertain, with estimates ranging between 315,000 and 400,000 from different sources.
Fall of Avdiivka
Hodges’ remarks coincided with Russia’s capture of Avdiivka, marking a significant development in the conflict, with reported heavy losses inflicted on Russian forces.
Ukraine’s Struggle
Despite challenges, Hodges expressed optimism about Ukraine’s resilience, urging against excessive pessimism regarding its defense against Russian aggression.
Need for Western Support
Hodges emphasized the importance of Western support for Ukraine, advocating robust intervention to counter Russia’s invasion and uphold democratic principles.
Russia’s Failures
He added, “After 10 years, Russia had every advantage, and they still only occupy 18% of Ukraine,” he said, referring not only to the full-scale invasion that began in 2022 but also Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the proxy fighting that began in Donbas in 2014.
Critical Moment for Ukraine
Hodges’ comments come at a critical juncture for Ukraine, with shifting military leadership and international support amid escalating conflict with Russia.
Short Term vs Long Term Gains
Russia’s prioritization of military spending poses short-term gains but long-term risks, according to Hodges, who advocated for US support to deter Russian aggression.
Impact on Russia
Despite Russia’s military might, Hodges argued that Ukraine’s sustained resistance has weakened Russia’s land, air, and naval capabilities, challenging conventional notions of Russian military superiority.
Why Supporting Ukraine is Important
Hodges stressed the strategic significance of supporting Ukraine as a “young democracy”, suggesting that its success could have far-reaching implications for European security and stability.
Ongoing Pressure on Russia
Ukraine’s consistent pressure on Russian forces highlights the resilience and determination of Ukrainian defenders, particularly targeting the air force and navy.
Russia’s Vulnerabilities
Hodges identified internal weaknesses within Russia, suggesting vulnerability to internal and external challenges despite military prowess.
Opportunity for Western Engagement
Engaging in support of Ukraine presents an opportunity to uphold democratic values and strengthen European security, Hodges suggested, framing it as proactive rather than reactive.
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