Kyiv’s offensive deep within Russian territory could have the potential to cripple Moscow’s economy.
Within the past few days, Kyiv has struck at least 10 plants deep within Russian territory, which has destroyed at least 17% of Russia’s oil refining capacity, totalling about 1.1 million barrels a day, according to a Reuters assessment.
Several reports have since emerged that suggest that Moscow’s economy cannot withstand a barrage of attacks on its oil, which makes up a significant part of Russia’s economic output, according to retired U.S. Army General Ben Hodges, 67, a former commander of the U.S. Army Europe with expertise on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“I think Russia is in real trouble economically,” Hodges told Times Radio. “I just don’t think Russia can keep this going.”
He explained that Russia does not have the air defence capacity to protect all of its infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has proven its ability to strike 600 miles deep within Russian territory in its successful offensive.
However, he warned that Kyiv’s mission could fail if it does not keep up the pace, noting that at least one strike per week receives repairs, necessitating a barrage of attacks to seriously weaken Russia’s oil refining capacity.
Hodges argued that Kyiv must keep striking as much and “as fast as possible” to “achieve a strategic effect” that will “counter” Russia’s gains in the war, which has entered its third year with no end in sight following several failed attempts at peace talks.
The retired U.S. Army general recommended that Ukraine’s allies, such as the United Kingdom, Germany and Norway, contribute aid to Kyiv to “accelerate production” amid its offensive campaign.
Kyiv’s offensive campaign comes after U.S. President Donald Trump met with the leaders of both Ukraine and Russia amid efforts to mediate peace talks.
The meetings came after the U.S. president decided to extend the deadline he had issued to both leaders to reach an agreement.
