The main goal of Ukraine's counteroffensive will be to break the corridor between Russia and Crimea, ex-commander of US forces in Europe Ben Hodges is convinced. DW spoke to him about the price of failure.
"I think there is a lot of speculation here that the West is, they say, exhausted and tired (of supporting Ukraine). I don't think so. I think most countries, including the US, Germany, the UK and France, realize how important this is. And we have we want to see the success of Ukraine. We want Ukraine to win. That is, I would not say that it is all or nothing. But what I expect and what, I'm sure, is happening is that Ukraine, the General Staff did a great job of preparation. They continue to do it, and I think that this offensive will be able to, or could potentially have a devastating effect on the Russian forces.
I think the Russians themselves are going through a turning point. Their logistics system - we constantly see reports with evidence (problems with supply in the Russian army), besides this desperate hostility and confrontation between various leaders on the Russian side. And if this strike (from the side of Ukraine.) begins to intensify the offensive impulse and breaks through tens of kilometers of Russian defense, then this, I think, will have a psychological effect on the Russian troops, as well as on the Kremlin. Thus, the possibility of a significant outcome is very real. Sanctions are in effect. The Russian population does not want, they do not support these hostilities. They, of course, cannot declare it openly. But no one is in a hurry to join the Russian army to go fight. They absolutely do not want to be a part of it."
