Ukraine should not only continue but intensify strikes on Russian oil and gas infrastructure, as these attacks are having a significant impact on Russia, according to retired US General Ben Hodges, former commander of US Army Europe.
Speaking to Ukrinform on the sidelines of the Warsaw Security Forum, Hodges said attempts by Washington to discourage Kyiv from conducting such strikes were misguided.
"Ukraine should increase the intensity of strikes against Russian oil and gas infrastructure. Clearly, they are having a very significant effect. Otherwise, you would not hear all this pressure from the Kremlin on the White House demanding that they stop. Of course, they are having an enormous impact," Hodges said.
He expressed confidence that even if the United States refrains from supporting this strategy, which he considers a mistake, European partners understand the critical importance of Ukraine's success.
The retired general said he hoped European countries would find ways to support Ukraine's efforts to resist Russian aggression.
Commenting on US President Donald Trump's statements about an "energy ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia, Hodges described them as "fantasies" that were not based on facts or the interests of the parties involved.
"This was a classic Trump announcement of something that is not based on any facts. And, of course, it would be a terrible agreement anyway. Russia never honours any agreement unless it is forced to. President Zelensky has repeatedly proposed ceasefires, and Russia has refused. So I think the fact that the President of the United States has created a fantasy ceasefire should not fool anyone, and nobody should be fooled," Hodges said.
The general also criticised Trump's interference in Ukraine's domestic affairs, referring to his calls for a change in the country's leadership.
"That was completely inappropriate. He should be concerned about the elections in the United States, which are taking place in a few weeks," Hodges said.
Assessing the battlefield situation, the former US commander said Ukraine had managed to halt Russian ground offensive operations. However, he identified the continuing Russian aerial attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure as a major challenge.
"I know Ukraine is working to improve its capabilities, and other countries are also looking for ways to help, but clearly this remains a very difficult task," Hodges concluded.
