NATO could cripple Kaliningrad in first 24 hours, US general warns

Former Commanding General of US Army Europe, Senior Advisor to Human Rights First, Ben Hodges, has asserted that, in the event of an armed conflict between Russia and NATO, the alliance could neutralize Russian forces in Kaliningrad within the first 24 hours.

Speaking in an interview with Die Welt, Hodges clarified that such an operation would not involve ground troops. “I am almost certain that Kaliningrad would be neutralized within the first 24 hours. Other commanders have said the same. I do not mean sending in ground troops—this is about using kinetic and non-kinetic means to neutralize Kaliningrad as a military deterrent for Russia,” he said.

The former general emphasized NATO’s detailed knowledge of the region’s military assets, noting that the alliance has “a very precise understanding” of Kaliningrad’s air and naval forces, long-range strike capabilities, and air defence systems. Hodges suggested that regional NATO members could inflict substantial damage on Kaliningrad without direct involvement from US forces.

He also indicated that Poland would likely participate immediately in any strikes against Kaliningrad, underscoring the readiness of regional allies to act in coordination with NATO objectives.

By Vafa Guliyeva