Russia Might be Planning Provocations against Georgia and Ukraine - Ben Hodges

Russia might be planning provocations against Georgia and Ukraine, - suggested US Lieutenant General Ben Hodges in an exclusive interview on Mtavari Channel.

According to the retired US army officer, several factors make him concerned about what Russia might do this summer. In addition to the new illegitimate constitution the Kremlin has approved, there is currently a water shortage in Crimea, which was resulted by drought. However, a disinformation campaign might be on the way, describing it as a humanitarian crisis.

Russia lays claims to the former parts of the Soviet Union, - asserted the General.

Hodges, who continually monitors the situation in the Black Sea region, believes that placing an American military base in Georgia would solve logistic problems for the US, while also ensuring safety in the Black Sea region.

The Black Sea is so important to all of us in the West. We have to get the initiative, instead of always reacting to what Russia does as if they were the owner of the Black Sea. We need to find ways to get the initiative, so that we are setting the pace, - added Hodges.

While the threat from the North keeps increasing for Georgia, the country's relations with its strategic partner, the US, is on the rocks as well. The US plans to shorten the amount of financial aid for Georgia as they doubt the current Georgian government might not be using the funds for strengthening democratic processes.