Trust, resources, and Western unity are vital for Ukraine's victory - US General

He outlined key steps Ukraine must take to defeat Russia in this challenging landscape.

“The ultimate goal of the war is to convince [Russian dictator] Vladimir Putin that he will never win and cannot achieve his objectives," Hodges said.

"This means making the war so costly for Russia that it becomes unsustainable.”

He explained that this requires targeting Russian logistics, continuing the destruction of Russia’s navy, and demonstrating to even the Kremlin’s staunchest supporters that Ukraine will never surrender and Russia cannot hold onto occupied territories.

“How can this be achieved? Primarily by destroying Russia’s oil and gas infrastructure,” Hodges commented.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of Crimea, calling it "the most critical territory in this war." as its eventual liberation, coupled with the dramatic fall of the Crimean Bridge, will send a powerful signal of Russia's isolation.

A long war ahead and rebuilding trust

Hodges warned that Ukraine must be prepared for at least another year of war, intensify mobilization efforts, and rebuild trust with its citizens. He stressed the importance of convincing thousands of Ukrainians abroad to return and join the Defense Forces.

“At a minimum, you must be ready to endure through 2025," he highlighted.

"This means continuing to expand the armed forces. Men and women in the army must be well-trained and well-equipped. The government must reassure Ukrainian families that their sons and daughters won’t simply be sent into a 'meat grinder,' but will join properly trained and prepared units.”

He also urged the Ukrainian government to develop its domestic defense industry to reduce dependency on foreign leaders' political decisions, ensuring sustained military capabilities.

Western support and calls to increased mobilization

Hodges’ remarks align with recent comments by U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who attributed Ukraine's current battlefield struggles not to a lack of weapons but to a shortage of soldiers, therefore calling for increased mobilization.

The West must aim for a decisive Ukrainian victory rather than pushing for a frozen conflict, Western experts, including Alexander Danyliuk of Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) remarked.