"If we take our foot off the gas pedal, we will give Putin a break" — US Army General

Today is the worst time to suspend aid to Ukraine. This opinion was expressed by the former commander of the US Army in Europe, retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling.

According to the retired general, today Russia is weakened by years of military operations in the Ukraine, and giving it a break from the United States is counterproductive.

"In my opinion, if we take our foot off the gas pedal now, we will give Putin a break," Hertling said in an interview with Business Insider.

The former commander of the US Army in Europe believes that removing pressure from the Russian army could "allow Moscow to unleash new conflicts in Europe."

A White House spokesman told Business Insider in a written statement:

"The president has made it clear that his goal is peace. We expect our partners to do the same. We are suspending and reviewing assistance to make sure that it contributes to the resolution of the conflict."

Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, who left the US Army in January 2013, currently directs programs on global partnerships, leadership development and health efficiency strategies at Florida Hospital in Orlando. He's still a couch analyst.