Hesitating to supply weapons to Ukraine only prolongs the war, said retired US General Ben Hodges, former commander of NATO’s Ground Forces in Europe, in an interview with European Pravda.
“So many more people get killed, so much more destruction, when it really could be over much faster if the US and Germany, in particular, would say, “We want Ukraine to win. Here, this is what you need, take it,” Hodges said.
The general also ruled out the possibility of territorial concessions to Russia, especially regarding Crimea. “Crimea is the only thing that matters. If Ukraine liberates Crimea, then it is over. I don’t think Russia cares a drop about Donbas because it is the land bridge from Rostov to Krym [“Crimea”]. I think it’s the only reason,” Hodges said.
Ukraine will never be safe as long as Russia controls Crimea, the general stressed. “Ukraine will never be safe or secure as long as Russia occupies Crimea. They would never be able to really rebuild their economy as long as Russia occupies Crimea and can disrupt shipping from Odesa, Kherson, Mykolaiv, or block ships coming in and out of Azov. Even after Kherson and Berdiansk are liberated, the Russians will still block the Azov Sea. So that’s why I don’t see how Ukraine can accept a solution, and neither should we push a solution where Russia keeps Crimea,” Hodges concluded.
Cover: European Pravda
