U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said Wednesday that it is unlikely that Ukraine will militarily expel Russia from all of the territory it occupies in the country, including Crimea, at least in the short term.
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“The probability of a Ukrainian military victory, including the expulsion of the Russians from all of Ukraine … Crimea, anytime soon is militarily very unlikely,” General Milley said.
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The American general reiterated that with winter approaching and military positions on the battlefield being frozen, this would be an opportunity to open discussions.
“If there is a lull in the fighting, if it happens, it gives a window (…) for a political solution or at least the beginning of a discussion towards starting a political solution,” he said. he said.
“The Russians are in a really bad place, so you want to negotiate when you’re in a strong position and your opponent is in a weak position,” he added.
For his part, the defense secretary pointed out that the US and Canada, in particular, sent Ukrainians “a large amount of equipment for the winter.”
“I think the Ukrainians will have the upper hand in this war as they are now and will continue to do so come winter,” said Lloyd Austin.
The United States is the main provider of military and economic aid to Ukraine.
