More weapons are needed: US general believes that Ukraine can push Russian forces back to February 23 positions

The former commander of US forces in Europe, General Ben Hodges, said this in an interview with DW.

The general insists on transferring even more artillery and long-range missiles to Ukraine for the transition to a major counteroffensive.

"The Ukrainians have been incredibly resilient, resourceful, innovative, but they need longer-range and more accurate artillery. Artillery and missiles that can shoot further and continue to destroy Russian artillery, logistics, strike Russian airfields. That's what's needed," he said.

According to Hodges, the weapons provided by the West are not yet enough to have a decisive effect.

"That's why the front line hasn't changed for about a month. The Russians have reached a climax, they can no longer advance. Moreover, they are unable to even protect their rear. But the Ukrainians need the ability to win," the general said.

He emphasized that the duration of the war will depend on whether the West will do everything it promised and whether it will supply all the weapons it promised.

"I think by the end of this year we can push them back to the Feb. 23 line," Hodges said.