Ukraine Now Holds the Battlefield Momentum, Says General Hodges: Here's What Changed.

Shifting Dynamics in the Russia-Ukraine War

According to Espreso.tv: Retired U.S. Army General Ben Hodges, former commander of U.S. forces in Europe, stated in a recent interview that Ukraine has seized the initiative in the conflict with Russia. He pointed to Kyiv's recent successes in halting Moscow's ground offensive and launching strikes against Russian infrastructure. Hodges emphasized that Ukraine has not only stopped Russia's land advance but also pushed the Russian Black Sea Fleet away from Crimea. He noted that Kyiv appears to have found a key path to victory: targeting Russia's oil and gas export infrastructure.

Strikes on Russian Targets

On June 16, Ukrainian defense units carried out attacks on military and infrastructure sites inside Russia. These included:

• The Moscow Oil Refinery
• A Wildberries warehouse
• Command posts
• Storage depots

Following these strikes, the Moscow refinery suspended operations. On June 18, Ukrainian drones hit the Kapotnya oil refinery, triggering a massive fire.

Hodges also acknowledged a persistent problem: Ukraine cannot intercept all Russian drones and missiles targeting civilian areas. His remarks underscore the high stakes on the front lines and Ukraine's ongoing efforts to counter the aggressor.

The battlefield situation remains tense, but Ukraine's ability to stop the Russian offensive and hit critical infrastructure signals a shift in the conflict's momentum. These developments could have far-reaching implications for the war's trajectory and for continued international support for Kyiv's fight against aggression.

General Hodges' comments highlight the growing importance of technology in modern warfare, especially regarding air defense and the protection of civilian infrastructure.