US General Hodges predicts how Ukraine’s counteroffensive would unfold

General Hodges shared his opinions with 24 Channel.

According to the general, by the end of next summer, Ukraine may liberate Russian-occupied Crimea.

"The Ukrainian counteroffensive has started in September. We should consider all the events within the whole picture. The right wing of the counteroffensive is in Kherson, and the left wing is advancing towards Mariupol. Both of these directions are ultimately aimed at reaching Crimea. Crimea is the main prize. And I believe that Crimea will be liberated by the end of next summer. Until that moment, Ukrainian Armed Forces will push back Russian forces, destroy Russian logistics," said Hodges.

He also believes that the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation will not deter the offensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"Russia will try to shield its fleet near Crimea’s shores, because Ukrainian drones and anti-ship missiles pose great threat to it. And Ukraine doesn't even have a fleet. It once again shows how bad things are for the Russians. This, in my opinion, is what awaits us ahead. Of course, it is critical that the British, Americans and Germans continue to supply Ukraine with anything it needs," Hodges said.

Meanwhile, he stressed that Russian troops are currently preparing for the defense of Kherson.

"The Russians are preparing a defense line on both banks of the Dnipro River. They are building a new defense line on the left bank, where they have better positions. When Ukrainian forces clear the right bank of Kherson, they will be able to locate HIMARS there and destroy Russian logistics and defense structures closer to Crimea. And that would be great, but they would still need to cross the river. The General Staff, of course, is aware of all these issues and will approach the next phase as carefully as it did before," Hodges is convinced.