Lack of support for Kyiv
Ex-US general: West would be responsible for failure of counteroffensive
08/19/2023 03:19 am
For months, Kiev has been demanding the delivery of F-16 jets from the USA and Taurus cruise missiles from Germany. But the western partners hesitate. Former US General Ben Hodges is making serious accusations against Berlin and Washington.
Former US General Ben Hodges has accused Germany and the US of a lack of determination in helping Ukraine. “Does the West want Ukraine to win? My faith is waning,” the former commander of US forces in Europe told the Tagesspiegel. While the US government is now allowing its allies to ship F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, its long delay before delivery is “an example of a lack of determination to help Ukraine win,” Hodges said.
Hodges criticized that Germany was also reluctant to decide on the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles. If Ukraine’s counteroffensive fails, “the governments of the United States and Germany must be held responsible.” However, failure can be avoided if the two countries act decisively now. Ukraine has long been demanding the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles for defense against Russia. So far, however, the traffic light has been cautious. There are fears that the weapons could also reach Russian territory.
Crucial to the success of the Ukrainian army is “the ability to carry out precision attacks over long distances,” argues Hodges. “Then the Russians can no longer hold Crimea. It would be too dangerous for their Black Sea fleet and air force to continue operating there.” Long-range precision weapons could also help accelerate the destruction of Russia’s artillery, logistics and transport infrastructure, according to the former US general.
The United States has agreed to the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, according to the Netherlands and Denmark on Friday. The two countries previously agreed to deliver F-16s to Ukraine. They also want to train Ukrainian pilots. However, it should take several months before the F-16 can actually be delivered. Since this is a weapon system from the USA, it needs Washington’s approval. The US government said on Thursday that they wanted to enable Denmark and the Netherlands to quickly transfer the F-16.