To compel the Kremlin to end its war in Ukraine, the West must apply comprehensive pressure on Russia, including limiting its ability to trade oil and allowing Ukraine to strike Russian oil and gas infrastructure.
This opinion was expressed by retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, in an interview with Ukrinform.
“I think the kinds of things that we in the West should be doing include, number one, closing all the loopholes in the sanctions that are already in place. There are too many companies, including American ones, that are finding ways around the sanctions and still doing business,” Hodges noted.
Secondly, he believes it is essential to disrupt Russia’s ability to export oil to India and China, as “70% of their exports go to those two countries.” In this context, he suggested using legal instruments against the ships involved in these trades in the Baltic and Black Seas, including measures related to insurance, safety compliance, and environmental regulations. This, he emphasized, would create problems for Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”
Third, according to Hodges, Ukraine must be given the capability to strike Russia’s oil and gas infrastructure, “further disrupting their ability to export oil.”
Finally, he added, frozen Russian assets should be handed over to Ukraine for reconstruction and other national needs.
As Ukrinform reported, earlier last week the U.S. President issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russia during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, threatening new sanctions and tariffs if Russia does not move toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Photo: DELFI / Karolina Pansevič
Source: Ben Hodges assesses what may force Russia into peace
