Former US Army Commander Explains Importance of Liberating Crimea

The former commander of the US Army in Europe, Hodges, explained why it is important for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to liberate Crimea and criticized supporters of territorial concessions. According to Hodges, Ukrainians know that Crimea is a crucial territory and that they will never be safe as long as Russia occupies Crimea and can strike with its fleet and aviation from Crimea, as well as launch missiles at all sea ports of Ukraine. Hodges also pointed out that even after the liberation of the two other major sea ports, Berdiansk and Mariupol, they will be useless because Russia will continue to block the Azov Sea from Crimea. He also criticized supporters of territorial concessions by Ukraine in exchange for peace with Russia, saying that he is surprised by how many people carelessly say, ‘Let them have Crimea for the sake of peace,’ and are willing to interrupt navigation or take other actions to harm Ukraine’s economy.