Kurt Volker & Ben Hodges on Deploying Forces to Ukraine Now

Call to Action: Deploy Coalition Forces Now

• 💡 Kurt Volker advocates for an immediate deployment of a "coalition of the willing" to Ukraine, rather than waiting for a ceasefire.
• 🎯 This coalition would establish a defended safe zone in Ukraine, working jointly with Ukrainian forces to remove threats.
• 🚀 The urgency stems from the belief that Ukraine's defeat would be a devastating blow to European security, potentially leading to a wider war.

Air Defense and Direct Engagement

• ✈️ General Ben Hodges supports the idea of allied air power patrolling Ukrainian skies to intercept Russian missiles and drones, citing similar operations for Israel.
• ⚠️ He emphasizes the need for a clear mission, including suppression of enemy air defense and pilot rescue, should allied aircraft be targeted.
• ⚡ The Russian air force has failed to achieve air superiority or interdict supply lines, making them vulnerable to such a strategy.

Addressing Concerns and Russian Response

• ❓ Ambassador Volker acknowledges the risks of direct engagement with Russia but argues that the consequences of inaction are greater.
• 🗣️ He proposes communicating the no-go zone policy directly to Russia, with the aim of deterring them from crossing these lines.
• 🤝 The strategy involves training and equipping Ukrainian forces for airspace defense, which also enhances NATO's own preparedness.

Strategic Rationale and Political Will

• 🌍 The failure of Ukraine is seen as a precursor to Russian expansion into Moldova and Baltic states, making this a matter of preventing a wider conflict.
• 🇺🇸 General Hodges notes the lack of strong US backing, which could impact other nations' willingness to participate.
• 📈 Volker believes that leaders in NATO countries have shown a willingness to evolve their positions on critical issues, suggesting that this proposal could gain traction.
• 🗣️ He stresses the importance of elected officials communicating the stakes to the public clearly and honestly.

Deterrence and Putin's Calculation

• 🎯 The core argument is to call Putin's bluff by demonstrating decisive action and setting clear parameters.
• ⚠️ It is argued that Russia cannot afford a direct conflict with NATO, making it a powerful deterrent.
• ⏳ Past hesitation has led to the current difficult situation; decisive action is now needed to secure European safety.