Winter will be ‘harder for invaders’ than for Ukrainian military, says former US general
The Ukrainian military is on the offensive (Photo:REUTERS/Gleb Garanich)
Invading Russian troops will find winter conditions in Ukraine much harder to cope with than Ukraine’s soldiers, former commander of U.S. forces in Europe, retired General Ben Hodges has said in an interview with Ukraine’s Espreso.TV
"I expect Ukrainian forces will continue to maintain pressure on Russian forces, not giving them a chance to recover,” Hodges said.
“This is very important. Naturally, it will be more challenging on the battlefield as winter sets in in Ukraine. The conditions for soldiers will be more difficult, but it will be even harder for the Russians to defend than for the Ukrainians to attack.”
Hodges said Ukraine’s troops “have their people behind them,” while the Russian mobilized troops are not sufficiently equipped and are untrained.
“Under the same weather conditions, Ukrainian forces are better prepared and equipped as winter approaches,” he said.
Early, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Ukrainian defenders are expected to battle through harsh winter conditions to try to recapture territory from Russia.
Several countries, including Estonia and Canada, have said they will send winter uniforms and equipment to Ukraine to aid it in its defense during winter.
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