US Chief of Staff outlines Ukraine goals amid changing war dynamics
US Chief of Staff Mark Milley spoke during a virtual event hosted by Defense One, offering a measured view of Ukraine’s military aims and the path to achieving them. The discussion reflected a careful assessment of what success looks like in the near term, acknowledging that progress will hinge on a mix of logistics, sustained international support, and the evolving balance of forces on the ground. Milley emphasized that while Kyiv could pursue gains, the endeavor is fraught with challenges and requires time, coordination, and resilience from all parties involved.
In the near term, Milley cautioned that Kyiv is unlikely to reclaim contested territory quickly or return to the region’s previous control levels in a single surge. He underscored that achieving meaningful changes on the battlefield will depend on adaptable planning, disciplined execution, and the ability to absorb losses while maintaining momentum. The emphasis was on persistence, clear milestones, and realistic assessments of what can be accomplished within specific windows of opportunity.
Andriy Melnyk, Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister and a former ambassador to Germany, commented that Kyiv currently lacks sufficient tank forces to mount a decisive counterattack and secure a battlefield edge. The assessment highlighted gaps in armored capabilities and the need for timely, reliable international support to close those gaps. Melnyk’s remarks pointed to the broader challenge of sustaining offensive operations in the face of logistical hurdles and evolving Russian defenses, while also stressing the importance of strategic planning and coalition coordination to maximize impact on the ground.
Roman Kostenko, a former member of the Ukrainian parliament from the Holos party and secretary of the parliamentary committee on national security, defense and intelligence, indicated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are likely to pursue a counteroffensive directed toward Melitopol and Berdyansk. Kostenko’s projection reflects ongoing discussions around planned routes, logistics corridors, and local air and artillery support that could shape any future offensive. The potential moves were framed as part of a broader effort to regain initiative, disrupt Russian positions, and create political and military leverage in contested regions.