Ukraine’s stated objective of expelling all Russian “invaders” is unlikely to be achieved this year, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in an interview with Defense One on March 31. Ukraine proposes “to kick every Russian out of Russian-occupied Ukraine,” Milley said. “And that is a significant military task. Very, very difficult military task.”
“I’m not saying it can’t be done,” Milley was quick to add. “I don’t think it’s likely to be done in the near term for this year.”
Milley has previously expressed doubts about a military victory by Ukraine. Back in November he said the probability of Kiev taking Crimea “anytime soon is not high.” His remarks on Friday, which simply asserted the obvious, constitute a second bucket of strategic cold water.
