The chairman of the Joint Chiefs cautioned Thursday that Ukraine’s newly launched counteroffensive against Russia could be difficult and that Americans should expect losses of equipment provided by the U.S. and allies.
Gen. Mark Milley gave the assessment during a press conference in Brussels with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin following a meeting among nations on Ukraine support. They announced other countries had again stepped up with new pledges of support, following another aid package from the Biden administration unveiled earlier this week.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced over the weekend that the long-awaited military campaign to push back invading Russian forces had begun, following months of speculation as the war drags on toward its second summer.
Read Next: Space Force Could Get a Guard Force and Part-Time Guardians, If House Lawmakers Get Their Way
“They’re in the early stages, and it’s far too early to make any definitive assessments, but I can tell you that, each day, Ukrainians demonstrate the courage and tenacity needed to methodically regain their territory,” Milley told reporters at the press conference.
In the last week, images and videos appeared to show columns of damaged Ukrainian armor — including a recently donated Leopard tank. Russian state media reported that President Vladimir Putin bragged that “they burn nicely, as we expected, be it Bradleys or Leopards, yes.”
Austin said he…
