Ben Hodges, former U.S. Army commander in Europe, commented on the Ukrainian Armed Forces operation in Kursk region, emphasizing that it refutes fears of a possible escalation on Putin’s part, including the use of nuclear weapons. He noted that Putin’s worst retaliatory step was the missile attack on a supermarket in Ukraine, which confirms that the Russian dictator’s “red lines” are overrated.
Ukraine’s operation in the Kursk region disproves fears that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will escalate, former US Army commander in Europe Ben Hodges said in an interview with DW.
“This dispels the fears that Putin may resort to escalation and the use of nuclear weapons. The worst thing he did in response was to fire missiles at another supermarket in Ukraine. We have been holding back for too long,” Hodges emphasized.
He also emphasized that this operation is part of Ukraine’s defense against Russian attacks. Hodges noted that Ukraine does not intend to seize Russian territory, but this operation will force Russia to reconsider its actions.
The former US Army commander emphasized that Putin’s “red lines” no longer exist.
“The Ukrainians have taught us an important lesson – even with the total use of drones, it is possible to successfully prepare operations of this magnitude. It is clear that Russian Armed Forces Chief Gerasimov and the Russian General Staff ignored intelligence about Ukraine’s preparations for the attack,” Hodges added.
At the same time, the lieutenant general emphasized that Ukraine is not interested in seizing Russian territory, but this operation will force Russia to rethink its actions. He added that such actions are part of Ukraine’s defense against Russian attacks.
“It’s a classic example of military doctrine in action – pick the right moment, distract the enemy and reduce the pressure on your troops,” Hodges summarized.