"Where is The Russian Navy?" - The War in Ukraine with General Ben Hodges - Episode 2

[TexasTowelie]

The Renew Democracy Initiative brings you the next episode of our video series on the war in Ukraine in collaboration with New Debate and General Ben Hodges. A lot has happened in the war since our last episode; join General Hodges as he expertly walks through the latest battlefield updates and what the Free World can expect to come next. We offer an inside look at how Ukraine succeeded in its most recent counteroffensive, the roots of Russian soldiers’ unwillingness to fight, Ukraine’s ability to wage an asymmetric war successfully, and what continued international support for Ukraine should look like.

General Ben comments on the disorganization of the retreating Russian troops, exhibited by the prevalence of Russian equipment, weapons, and garbage left behind in previously captured territories. He states that this display demonstrates a severe lack of discipline, reflecting that Russian soldiers are unprepared to fight. However, the Russian army doesn’t just lack discipline, they lack numbers as well. Hodges says they are struggling with recruitment and mass mobilization to gather the necessary troops to continue fighting and replenish their ranks. On the other hand, Ukrainians are in no short supply of motivated soldiers, eager to push out the occupiers.

Ukraine is winning an asymmetric war. Not only are Russian forces failing on land in the northeast, but they are also failing at sea, as Hodges comments on the state of the Russian navy. The Black Sea fleet of the Russian navy is hiding behind Crimea. The fleet will not even attempt to go near the coastline, as they fear Ukraine’s ability to strike them down using precision missiles and drones. The Russian navy is not in this fight, and if they continue to hide, they will soon be destroyed.

General Hodges argues that western sanctions are working. Russia is struggling to access crucial precision weaponry and components to operate them. They have even turned to authoritarian partners such as North Korea for artillery ammunition. Hodges believes the combined impact of sanctions on the Russian population and substantial battlefield losses over the next two to three months will increase the pressure on the Kremlin. Ukrainian victory is inevitable if Western nations can stick together, deliver on their promises, and maintain sanctions.

Hodges knows that this will not be an easy task. Winter is coming, and many Western citizens will feel the harmful effects of sanctions and rising energy costs. But he reminds us that this war is about more than economics. It is about stopping Russia from harming its neighbors. It is about the worldwide battle between democracy and autocracy. The Free World must be willing to show dictators worldwide that we will stand our ground in the face of personal costs. Only then can we help Ukraine achieve victory against the Russian threat.


Presented by:
Lieutenant General (Retired) Ben Hodges. United States Army

Filmed and Edited by:
Dan Poole

Sound Design by:
JD Evans

VFX by:
Smith Robinson Multimedia

Produced by:
Matt Dreher
Cort Kristensen
Dan Poole

Executive Producers:
Uriel Epshtein
Noor Greene

Licensed Archive by:
Pond 5
Planet Labs

Licensed Music by:
Audio Network

Fair Use: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
© 2022 Renew Democracy Initiative. All rights reserved.

[TheBlackAdder]

1. At the bottom of Tsushima Straight 🤣🤣🤣

[Chainfire]

2. That was a very worthwhile watch. Thanks for the post.

[TexasTowelie]

3. You're welcome.

This is the first time that the Renew Democracy Initiative showed up in my YouTube feed so I've added it to my notification list.

[Old Crow]

4. +1

I got a lot out of it as well.

[Tarheel_Dem]

5. I hope Europe can stick it out with the rest of us, but I heard a disturbing report from the BBC...

that Italy is on track to elect a far right nut job, who is a protege of Berlusconi, and a big fan of Vlad. He's even running around the country wearing a Putin sweatshirt. No one wants to be cold & hungry, if they can help it, but like the General says, if the alliance begins to break down, that will send the wrong message to China, and we may have another invasion to deal with.