As emphasized in the conversation with RBC-Ukraine by the authoritative retired American general Ben Hodges, instead of the usual approach of "helping Ukraine as much as needed," the West, primarily the United States and Germany, should choose another one - "helping Ukraine to win, whatever it takes." And this will pave the way for the successful repulsion of Russian aggression - when Putin realizes that he cannot win.
Regarding attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and the end of the war
"I don't know what influences the timing.
Perhaps they anticipate that by the time they finish, Ukraine won't have the necessary capacity in its power grid as winter approaches. I don't know. Or maybe they think it's necessary to prevent Ukraine from fully restoring its defense industry.
Or perhaps they believe it needs to be done before Western countries can provide more air defense capabilities. To inflict as much damage as they can. You know, Minister Austin, Chancellor Scholz, Minister of Defense Pistorius - all of them are asking other countries to provide Patriot systems, for example, to give up their own.
So there may be a number of factors, but I don't know specifically what influences the timing.
I think the war will end when Vladimir Putin realizes he can't win.
So we need to ensure that he understands that Ukraine isn't going to surrender, that the West isn't going to surrender.
So the best way to ensure this is for the United States and Germany, in particular, to say that we want Ukraine to win, that we will do whatever it takes.
Not "as long as necessary," that's empty talk, but "whatever it takes," we will do everything to help Ukraine win.
This will lead to Ukraine having the ability to kick Russian forces out of Crimea.
And, of course, there's an economic part to this as well. Sanctions are powerful, but they're not being enforced properly. Too much is still flowing into Russia from China, Iran, and North Korea, too much stolen wheat is going from Russia that they took from Ukraine, and it's being exported. When all of this is done, then Vladimir Putin will realize that he's lost.
That's when it will end."
