Former US Army Europe commander General Ben Hodges has suggested that NATO could seize Kaliningrad, claiming that Russia would not resort to nuclear weapons even if the region came under attack. He made the remarks at the Warsaw Security Forum.
Hodges urged European governments and the United States to abandon their fear of provoking Moscow and adopt a far more assertive approach, particularly in the area surrounding Kaliningrad.
He argued that Russia has no intention of using nuclear weapons despite warnings from its senior leadership about a possible response to aggression against Russian territory.
The former commander claimed that China would prevent Moscow from launching a nuclear strike. However, he also maintained that Russia itself has no plans to use its nuclear arsenal.
Hodges described the threat of Russian nuclear retaliation as a bluff, arguing that the effectiveness of Russia’s nuclear deterrent depends entirely on Western countries believing that Moscow might actually use it.
He contended that this fear has caused the West to miss numerous opportunities, including opportunities to provide greater assistance to Ukraine.
The general also pointed to the strategic changes in the Baltic region following Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO. He characterized Kaliningrad as a burden for Russia and argued that the alliance’s expansion has significantly strengthened NATO’s position.
According to Hodges, the Baltic states now possess greater strategic depth. He emphasized that the entire Baltic Sea is either already under the control of NATO and EU countries or could be brought under their control through coordinated military action.
He highlighted the substantial air power and ground forces available to these countries when operating together, presenting their combined capabilities as an opportunity to increase pressure on Russia.
Hodges concluded by suggesting that Moscow should fear the possibility of NATO eventually deciding to seize Kaliningrad, portraying such an operation as a potential consequence of the alliance losing patience with Russia.