The former commander of US forces in Europe, General Ben Godges, is confident that Vladimir Putin will not remain in power. He said that the point of no return for Putin would be the loss of Crimea.
Ben Godges expressed the corresponding opinion on the air of the telethon, writes Channel 24 . He is convinced that after the liberation of Crimea, a new government will appear in Russia
The loss of territories will lead to resentment within Russia
“I don't see how Putin can stay in power if Crimea is liberated,” Godges said. He stressed that Russia has other forces, including the self-proclaimed leader of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Wagner PMC Yevgeny Prigozhin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Godges believes that Russia will undergo significant changes and “the potential for this is very strong.” In addition, the general stressed that it is important what happens to Russia's nuclear weapons. He suggests that outbreaks of violence are possible in Russia.
Perhaps I am wrong and Putin will remain in power. But I do not think that Putin will remain in power after such a catastrophic war. And after the liberation of Crimea,” said the ex-commander of US troops in Europe.
He recalled that the annexation of Crimea in 2014 increased support for Putin in Russia. However, the loss of Kherson and control in other areas had a significant cost for Russia, in particular in the context of the destruction of the economy.
Godges believes that the loss of territories will lead to resentment within Russia. According to him, the elites and oligarchs will tell Putin that “enough already.”
He is sure that there is no bright future for the Russian regime. At the same time, he admits that anyone after Putin could be even worse than a dictator.
Crimea is the way to victory
- Ben Godges has repeatedly noted that it is important for Ukraine to liberate Crimea, and he is convinced that this is realistic in 2023. According to the general, the de-occupation of Crimea is important for the economy of Ukraine.
- Note that the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense Kirill Budanov believes that by the summer of 2023 Ukraine can return the Crimea.
- For liberation, Ukraine needs Western long-range weapons. This is emphasized by Ukrainian diplomats, as well as during a speech in Davos, Volodymyr Zelensky said.
- Ukraine is ready to resolve the issues of Crimea both through diplomacy and military. Importantly, Ukraine's desire to dismiss Crimea is supported by Western partners.
- Military experts note that an important step towards the liberation of Crimea is the de-occupation of Melitopol.
