The main strategic event of the recent Russian-Ukrainian war is the United States finally approving a multi-billion-dollar aid package to Ukraine after a six-month delay. The consequences of this decision are already beginning to be felt on the battlefield. In addition, other allies of Ukraine have noticeably become more active. However, it cannot be definitively stated that the assistance from Washington is a turning point in the war.
American General Ben Hodges, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, discussed about attacks on Russian infrastructure and preventing escalation.
About attacks on Russian infrastructure
"First of all, of course, Ukraine should attack any target it wants to attack as part of defending its people and its territory.
So I am confident that Ukraine will continue to do whatever it deems best for its defense and the protection of its population. I was dismayed to see Mr. Sullivan and other representatives of the U.S. government say or imply that Ukraine should not attack this infrastructure.
I would urge the Ukrainian government not to heed this, and it seems that over the past few weeks this has indeed disappeared, as it was poorly thought out policy. And I don't hear anyone talking about it anymore. Ukraine has the right to defend itself and should do whatever is necessary."
Preventing escalation
" It depends on where you live in Europe. The closer a person lives to Russia, the clearer they understand what Russia is and what it respects only strength. Therefore, the idea that Russia can be somehow controlled like a thermostat on a heater, that it can be managed in a way that Russia will do nothing, this idea has proven to be naive.
And so, living here in Europe, I really feel that more and more European countries are recognizing this, and that the only way to stop Russia is to help Ukraine defeat Russia, that they cannot be "managed," and I think very few people really believe that Russia will ever honor any agreement.
I also think that more and more people realize that Russia's threats of using nuclear weapons are just that – threats. I don't want to say there's zero chance of this happening because Russia has thousands of nuclear weapons, and they clearly don't care how many people they kill, even their own, but I don't see any advantage for them in using nuclear weapons. Especially if Russia itself is not subjected to a direct attack from NATO.
So I think Russians realize that their nuclear weapons are most effective when they don't actually use them, but only threaten to use them because they see how the U.S., Germany, and some others hesitate.
We're restraining ourselves because we're concerned about this escalation. It seems like we're finally getting through this. The key will be when both the U.S. and Germany finally say that we want Ukraine to win, that it's in our interests for Ukraine to defeat Russia. And then, when you have a clearly defined strategic outcome, then you can have much better, more effective political decisions."
