Russia’s new major offensive?
Hodges: Moscow’s attacks in Kharkiv region could be a feint
May 10, 2024, 10:10 p.m
Listen to article
This audio version was artificially generated. More info | Send feedback
Russian units go on the attack in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. But what does Moscow want to achieve with the operation? Retired US General Hodges has a guess.
Russian troops launched several attacks in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine this morning. There are said to be fighting in the area of the city of Vovchansk. The online portal Ukraijinska Pravda, citing sources in the Ukrainian military, reported that four border villages had been captured by Moscow’s units. But what does the Kremlin want to achieve with these advances? Ben Hodges, retired US lieutenant general and former commander of the US Army in Europe, can imagine that it is a feint.
It could be a deceptive maneuver by Russia “to tie Ukraine’s capabilities in a certain direction and then in reality attack somewhere else,” he told the “Tagesspiegel”. “But that would require a certain level of nimbleness and agility on the Russian side that I haven’t seen before,” he added. “So I suspect that with this move they are simply trying to further wear down Ukrainian forces as long as they see themselves in a position of strength.” Basically, you never have accurate information about the exact situation in the first few hours after an attack. “Maybe we’ll know more in the next 24 hours.”
Hodges believes that the theory that Russia wants to use the attacks to create a buffer zone to protect the border region of Belgorod is less likely. “Then the Russian army would not be working towards a breakthrough with this action, but rather would want to gain some space. They would then probably start digging trenches, setting up artillery and stationing troops there,” said the 66-year-old. However, one has to ask oneself how much sense such a buffer zone would actually make. “Because it would only help against ground attacks. And Ukraine has no interest in that.”
In general, Hodges gives Moscow’s armed forces a poor report. The current Russian army lacks the strength to exploit the current advantage over Ukraine. Ukraine has so far resisted strongly. “But we must not lose sight of the bitter losses that this has resulted in.” Kiev needs more extensive support from the West.
In his assessment, the Russian army is not capable of “doing much more than what it is already doing.” The new US aid package will not win the war. “But it will give Ukraine enough time to stabilize the front and expand its army. And it will give Europe time to finally deliver what has been needed for so long,” said Hodges.