General B. Hodges warned that in the case of a limited Russian operation in the Suwałki Corridor, Lithuania would have to prepare to defend itself for about two weeks without immediate support from NATO or Poland.
In a recent article by British newspaper 'The Telegraph', General B. Hodges responded to a military simulation initiated by 'Die Welt' that raised concerns over NATO's ability to react consistently to threats in Eastern Europe. The fictional scenario involved a limited Russian operation in the Suwałki Corridor, highlighting the vulnerabilities of NATO's eastern flank and suggesting a need for scrutiny over collective defense mechanisms.
General Hodges expressed confidence in NATO's overall northeastern defenses but cautioned that the Baltic states, including Lithuania, should be prepared to withstand a Russian assault alone for approximately two weeks before reinforcements from NATO could arrive. He characterized this two-week period as an unfavorable worst-case scenario, especially if NATO is caught off guard and unprepared to deploy troops quickly through the Suwałki Corridor, particularly without assistance from the Polish military.
This assessment raises significant implications for the security landscape in Eastern Europe, where the interdependence of NATO alliances is critical for collective defense against potential aggressors. The situation remains tense as it highlights the urgency for NATO member states to evaluate their readiness and response capabilities in light of the ongoing conflicts involving Russia and the broader geopolitical challenges facing Europe.
