In an interview with Deutsche Welle, the former commander of US forces in Europe, lieutenant general Ben Hodges said that Ukraine has a chance to return Crimea by the end of August 2023.
"I think the Ukrainian general staff has done very good preparations for what will become a counter-offensive when the conditions are right. That means weather conditions, when the ground is dry, and also, and this is the main thing when they (Ukrainian army — ed.) do enough training and build their logistics. I think that we will see a very professional offensive, very effective, and the goal of it will be to isolate Crimea and create conditions for its possible release later this year," Ben Hodges.
What does Ukraine need for a successful counteroffensive? Long-range precision weapon. What does Russia need to hold its positions? New army.
"Russia has no other offensive capabilities. There is nothing to start a new offensive," lieutenant general Hodges. He also added that now Russia does not hope to conquer new lands, but is trying to at least keep what they already have (so far).
Read what methods Russia keeps Ukrainian lands under occupation. The de-occupation of all territories of Ukraine is uncontested.
