Retired General Ben Hodges, former commander of US forces in Europe, has labeled attempts by the United States to dissuade Ukraine from targeting Russian oil refineries as misguided.
Hodges emphasized that Ukraine should escalate its military actions against Russian oil and gas infrastructure, asserting that such strikes have significant strategic impacts. “The pressure from the Kremlin on the White House to halt these operations is telling of their effectiveness,” he stated.
He expressed hope that even if Washington refrains from backing this strategy, European allies will find ways to support Ukraine’s efforts against Russian aggression.
Regarding US President Donald Trump’s recent claims of an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, Hodges dismissed them as unrealistic and disconnected from the realities on the ground, labeling them as “a classic Trump announcement that lacks factual basis.” He stressed that any agreement made under such circumstances would likely be ignored by Russia unless enforced.
Hodges also pointed out that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, only to be met with refusals from Russia. He remarked, “The idea of a ‘fantasy’ ceasefire proposed by the President of the United States should not mislead anyone.”
Additionally, he criticized Trump’s interference in Ukrainian domestic affairs, particularly his suggestions regarding leadership changes, calling it inappropriate and suggesting the former president focus on the upcoming elections in the US.
Context
- On October 11, President Trump announced a purported energy ceasefire, which he claimed was effective immediately. However, President Zelensky stated that Trump’s announcement was news to him and no official confirmation from Russia was received.
- A White House official later clarified to Axios that Trump’s proposal only included a cessation of strikes on oil refineries, with subsequent agreements potentially extending to power plants and energy grids. A Ukrainian official described this proposal as “one-sided.”
- As of October 12, Russia had not ceased its attacks on Ukraine.
