How a Russian Attack on NATO Could Unfold, According to a Retired US General

A Hypothetical Russian Strike on NATO

According to ХВИЛЯ: Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges has outlined a scenario for a potential Russian assault on NATO, stressing that the goal would be to dismantle the Alliance rather than conquer Europe. In an interview with host Saken Aymurzaev for the UATV English project, Hodges warned that the likelihood of such an attack would increase if Ukraine fails to halt Russian aggression and Moscow concludes that the United States is unwilling to defend its allies. This assessment comes amid ongoing debates in Washington about troop levels in Europe and the credibility of NATO’s collective defense commitments.

Ukraine’s Achievements and Kremlin Threats

According to Hodges, the Kremlin might focus on a localized strike against Daugavpils in Latvia, while simultaneously launching massive drone and missile attacks on Baltic transportation infrastructure. He emphasized that the strongest safeguard against an assault on the Baltics is a Russian defeat in Ukraine. Among Ukraine’s accomplishments over the past year, Hodges highlighted:

• halting Russia’s ground offensives;
• destroying the Black Sea Fleet;
• transforming Ukraine into an innovation hub.

Hodges stressed that Ukraine has managed to stop Russia’s ground advances, noting that the Russian army can no longer seize new territory except in tiny pockets. He also praised Ukraine’s significant achievement in eliminating the Black Sea Fleet, which he said was effectively swept from the Black Sea without using conventional warships. Furthermore, Hodges predicted that within ten years, Ukraine will become the heart of Europe’s defense industry, emphasizing that Ukraine’s main export is combat experience.

He also expressed concern about the Trump administration’s decision to reduce the U.S. military presence in Europe, calling it a dangerous move. Hodges noted that the U.S. war with Iran failed to achieve any strategic objective, as Iran retains control of the strait and the regime continues to enrich uranium.

'Do you really want a nuclear war over Latvia?' Hodges asked, underscoring the gravity of the threat.

Hodges added: 'For the Russians, it’s enough to believe that France or the United Kingdom would use nuclear weapons against St. Petersburg.' He concluded his remarks by saying, 'No one has the experience that Ukrainians have,' highlighting the uniqueness of Ukraine’s combat experience and its importance for global security.

General Hodges’ comments underscore the critical role of the current situation in Ukraine and its impact on European security. By noting Ukraine’s successes in stopping aggression, he points out that stability on the continent largely depends on the outcome of the conflict in the east. Localized threats from the Kremlin could become a reality without adequate allied support, making NATO’s defense posture especially relevant in today’s environment.

As General Hodges emphasizes the importance of Ukraine's military successes in deterring Russian aggression, it's crucial to consider how these developments position Ukraine as a potential leader in European defense. For a deeper understanding of Hodges' predictions regarding Ukraine's future role and its implications for NATO, explore our article on Ukraine's ascent as Europe's defense powerhouse.