Sending to Ukraine not just a symbolic army, but also a powerful multinational force capable of decisive action – this is exactly the scenario being considered in discussions on the possibility of a peacekeeping mission. This opinion was expressed in an interview with The Guardian by the former commander of US troops in Europe, retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges.
He believed that any international unit should prepare not for an official presence but to repel real threats. Hodges believes that the Russian military should immediately understand that they are facing serious opposition.
“The Russian military should look at that and say these guys are serious and not standing in a barracks somewhere near Lvov,” said former US Army Europe commander Ben Hodges.
The general emphasized that such a group must not only have significant military power, but also clear rules of engagement that allow it to act quickly, without bureaucratic delays. According to him, commanders on the ground cannot ask for permission from the capital every time an incident occurs.
“The readiness coalition must have real power and rules of engagement that allow it to respond immediately to any violation. Captains cannot call Paris or London to figure out how to deal with Russian drones,” Ben Hodges said.
According to military experts, special attention should be paid to defense against drones and other advanced attack weapons because the Russian military will likely test the reaction capabilities and combat effectiveness of any new forces on the battlefield. Therefore, the concept of a peacekeeping mission, outlined by Hodges, involves the creation of a highly mobile and well-armed army, capable of effective self-defense and demonstrating determination.
