A former U.S. military official is questioning why the United States is allowing Russia to fire missiles into Ukraine seemingly at will.
Retired U.S. Army Commanding General Ben Hodges made the comment in relation to a Russian attack on Thursday that reportedly involved 9K720 Iskander short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs). Following the attack, Russia's Ministry of Defense pledged that it will "never" run out of Kalibr missiles.
Retired SEAL Team Six squadron leader Chuck Pfarrer tweeted that the SRBMs were launched from Russian-occupied areas inside Ukraine and targeted nearby cities. The missiles originated in Russia and can travel up to 500 kilometers-or 310 miles.
"Why do we allow Russia to fire from sanctuary?" Hodges tweeted on Friday. "By not providing ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems), F16's and other long-range strike capabilities to UKR, we have in effect granted sanctuary to Russia which is able to kill innocent civilians in Ukraine without fear of consequences. Undefendable policy..."
Henry Hale, professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, told Newsweek "that Russia has surprised us before" and can muster additional resources even while plagued by Western sanctions. However, he admits Putin remains "in a tough spot."
