Former commander of the Army Mart de Kruif does not think it is a good idea for NATO to protect Ukrainian airspace from NATO territory. “We then pretend that NATO is under attack. Then we will have a strange political situation,” he says in the radio program Sven op 1 on NPO Radio 1.
De Kruif responds to a suggestion by CDA Member of Parliament Derk Boswijk that air defense on Polish territory can protect civilians in Lviv, West Ukraine. Missiles and drones can be more easily removed from the sky with this geographical tactic, says Boswijk. The CDA member’s suggestion has drawn criticism, including from BBB leader Caroline van der Plas.
Text continues below the X.
Boswijk says that only drones and missiles are shot down and not fighter jets, so that the West does not come into direct conflict with Russia. De Kruif suggests that if Ukrainian airspace is defended from NATO territory, it will represent a further step towards a direct confrontation with Russia. “I would therefore take the defenses you have to Ukraine and not leave them in Poland.”
Listen to the broadcast here as a podcast. Text continues below.
Major offensive
In addition, there is a good chance that Russia will launch a major offensive against Ukraine. “The first signs are already there,” says De Kruif. Russia will send about 50,000 to 100,000 troops to Ukraine, he expects. “Ukraine will launch a counter-offensive with the most capable assets they have, including tanks and armored vehicles. This will probably take place in the Donbas.”
Are you already receiving our free newsletter? Register here and don’t miss anything from WNL!
It will be an intensive summer on Ukrainian territory, the former commander predicts. According to De Kruif, the war is won by time and will. “Who is willing to bear this suffering the longest? That is the one who ultimately wins the war.”
Also read:
CDA sounds the alarm: situation on the Ukraine front critical, France support ‘shameful’
By: Rick Hartkamp
