"To those who criticize from '8,000 kilometers away,' like someone else is entering minefields and trenches to demine them, they should be ashamed of themselves." This statement was made by former Commander of NATO's Allied Land Command in Europe, retired U.S. General Ben Hodges, during a discussion in Washington titled "Ukraine's Victory: A Yellow Light Flashes?", Voice of America writes.
Hodges was responding to a question from Robert McConnell, co-founder of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, regarding critical comments about the actions of the Ukrainian army in the war.
"These are unprofessional and futile statements," Hodges remarked.
The general reminded the audience that Ukrainians have to fight without the support of aviation, which countries like the U.S., the UK, or Germany would never send their soldiers into combat without.
"Counteroffensive is not just what we see on the battlefield," emphasized Hodges. According to him, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are conducting multifaceted, comprehensive operations, including the work of special forces, drone attacks, cyber warfare, disabling Russian radar and air defense systems, and more.
Hodges also pointed out that the work of Ukrainian military forces regarding the Black Sea Fleet is impressive, creating significant pressure on the Russian General Staff.
