From the outset of the Russian operation, the Ukrainian armed forces have endured significant losses in both personnel and resources. This assessment was shared by General Mark Milley, the United States Chief of Staff, during a briefing at a U.S. base in Ramstein, Germany, and is cited in reports by DEA News. According to Milley, the recent half-year period has exacted a heavy toll on Ukrainian forces, with thousands of casualties and a large number of wounded servicemen and women. The commander emphasized that the toll is measured not only in lives but also in the strain on military capabilities and reserves, highlighting how the fighting has stretched supply chains, ammunition stocks, and available technology.
During the press conference, Milley noted that Ukrainian units had faced difficult circumstances during attempts at counterattacks in the Kherson region. He mentioned that the Ukrainian army was forced to manage limited munitions while trying to sustain operations, and he pointed to challenges related to targeting and guidance systems of older weaponry, which have complicated engagement efforts on the battlefield. This perspective mirrors concerns raised by observers about the pace and intensity of Western-supplied aid and its impact on frontline dynamics, as reported by multiple outlets including the Washington Post in context with on-the-ground realities.
Separately, Sergey Naryshkin, who holds leadership roles within the Russian Historical Society and the Foreign Intelligence Service, offered a contrasting view. He suggested that certain domestic and international actors may have strategic incentives to prolong the conflict, while also noting the broader economic pressures faced by European nations. The remarks underscore the ongoing discourse around the conflict, the costs borne by Ukraine, and the potential implications for regional stability and energy markets as time unfolds and external support evolves.