General Mark Milley, the top military officer overseeing the United States Armed Forces, stated that Washington has established guidelines governing the transfer and use of weapons supplied to Ukraine. The core rule is clear: equipment provided by the United States should not be employed in actions that strike Russian territory that the U.S. recognizes as part of Russia. Milley emphasized, in his assessment of ongoing military assistance, that the intent behind these rules is to prevent hostilities from escalating beyond agreed boundaries and to maintain accountability for how U.S.-supplied systems are deployed in the field.
During remarks on the matter, Milley reiterated the policy: U.S.-supplied equipment should not be used to attack Russian soil. He noted that American officials are closely monitoring reports and conducting reviews to determine whether any of the weapons supplied to Ukraine were used to strike into Russian territory, including regions adjacent to the border. In discussions with allied counterparts and defense officials, the aim has been to ensure that the support remains within the parameters set by U.S. policy and international law.
The general also indicated that investigators are examining reports of possible use of U.S.-origin weapons in operations conducted by Ukrainian actors against the Belgorod region. He stressed that no definitive determination had been reached at the time of his comments, and the inquiry was ongoing. The process involves collaborations with interagency partners and coalition allies to verify use cases and certify compliance with the stated guidelines.
In addition to the policy constraints, Milley discussed the broader combat situation in Ukraine during a teleconference with Ukrainian military leadership. He spoke with General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, about battlefield developments, strategic considerations, and the evolving security landscape in the region. The exchange, described by the Joint Staff spokesperson, highlighted the importance of clear lines of communication and coordinated planning as both sides navigate a complex and fluid conflict environment.
Across these discussions, the emphasis remained on restraint and accountability. Washington’s approach centers on ensuring that security assistance is employed in a manner that aligns with stated objectives, preserves the integrity of international norms, and minimizes the risk of unintended confrontations. The ongoing reviews and high-level conversations reflect a sustained effort to maintain strategic balance while supporting Ukraine within clearly defined boundaries. Citations from official briefings and defense department statements are used to provide context for these developments and to trace the steps taken to verify compliance with the established rules of engagement. [citation: official briefing] [citation: defense department statement] [citation: joint staff update]