Frontline Special - Senior retired American General Lieutenant General Ben Hodges (Extended)
Sep 15, 2024
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Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, a senior retired American General, shares his expert analysis on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He discusses the internal pressures on Putin regarding military actions and the implications for Western support. The conversation delves into the complexities of missile strikes, nuclear fears, and the importance of key territories like Kursk. Hodges also emphasizes the necessity of strengthening Ukraine's defense and rebuilding its military capabilities while reflecting on American public sentiment towards the conflict.
General Hodges emphasizes the urgency of enabling Ukraine to strike deep into Russia, stressing the need for decisive action against Iranian missile capabilities.
The divided sentiment in the West reflects a balance between continued support for Ukraine and political pressures in countries like Germany amid ongoing military challenges.
Deep dives
Urgent Need for Action on Western Weapons
An open letter signed by 17 military leaders calls on British and American officials to lift restrictions on using Western-donated weapons against Russia. The discussion emphasizes the urgency of enabling Ukraine to strike targets deep within Russian territory, particularly those linked to Iranian weaponry. General Ben Hodges points to potential targets that could prevent Iranian missiles from being launched into Ukraine, arguing that the time for cautious deliberation has passed. He insists that failing to act allows adversaries to maintain their offensive capabilities while innocent Ukrainians continue to suffer.
The Dynamics of the Russian Counteroffensive
Reportedly, Russia has launched a counteroffensive in the Kursk region, attempting to reclaim territory lost to Ukraine. Estimates indicate that 30,000 to 40,000 Russian troops may be involved, pulled from various areas of the Russian Federation but lacking cohesive command. General Hodges believes that Ukrainian forces are likely prepared for this escalation, having previously disrupted Russian logistics. The aim of the Ukrainian counteroffensive was to change the narrative of the war, demonstrating that Russian victory is not inevitable.
Western Support and the Political Landscape
The sentiment in the West appears divided regarding the approach to Ukraine, balancing between continued support and the urge for negotiations. As political pressures rise in Germany, with the leadership navigating a fragile coalition, there's ongoing commitment to providing aid to Ukraine despite domestic challenges. Additionally, discussions among Western intelligence leaders highlight concerns about the implications of Russia's military actions and the internal pressure faced by Putin from Russian elites. The effectiveness of the Ukraine Contact Group in uniting over 50 countries to support Ukraine indicates a strong collective effort, yet challenges remain in ensuring long-term military readiness.
In this extended Frontline conversation senior retired American General Lieutenant General Ben Hodges discusses the pressure from within Russia on Vladimir Putin to remove Ukrainian soldiers from the Kursk region, and how that might impact their efforts within Ukraine.
The World in 10 is the Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security. Expert analysis of war, diplomatic relations and cyber security from The Times' foreign correspondents and military specialists.