Zelensky told CNN that U.S. artillery delivery to Ukraine helped ‘break’ Russia’s offensive

Speaking at an event for the Economic Club of New York on Wednesday, Nov. 9, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley called Russia's invasion of Ukraine a
Speaking at an event for the Economic Club of New York on Wednesday, Nov. 9, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a “huge strategic mistake.” (New York Economic Club)

More than 100,000 Russian soldiers have been killed and wounded as a result of the Ukraine war, the top U.S. general said late Wednesday — and Ukraine may be considering similar numbers.

Speaking at an event for the Economic Club of New York, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a “huge strategic mistake” that will cost the country “years, years, and years to come.”

Milley said the war, which began in February, has inflicted enormous human suffering, including the loss of 15 million to 30 million refugees and about 40,000 Ukrainian civilians.

“What you’re seeing is more than 100,000 Russian soldiers casualties,” Milley said. “The same thing could be on the Ukrainian side.”

Path to Peace: Milley said there may be a chance of a negotiated end to the conflict if the front lines stabilize over the winter.

“When there is an opportunity to negotiate, when peace can be achieved, seize it,” Milley said. “catch the moment.”

But if the talks never materialize or fail, Milley said the U.S. will continue to arm Ukraine, even as the odds of an outright military victory for either side become increasingly remote.

“There has to be mutual recognition that a military victory may be a real military victory that may not be achieved by military means, so you need to turn to other means,” he said.

Kherson’s withdrawal: Milley also said that, as they said, the United States saw the first signs that Russia was indeed pulling out of Kherson. But he said it could take days or even weeks to withdraw up to 30,000 Russian troops from the west bank of the Dnieper.

“I believe they did this to maintain strength and re-establish the line south of the river, but that remains to be seen,” Milley said. “Right now, the early indicators are that they are doing what they say they are, and we are seeing those early indicators.”

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