[September 18, AFP]U.S. uniformed military chief Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on the 17th that although the Ukrainian military had not “failed” in its counteroffensive against Russian forces, He said the country faces “very high hurdles” regarding the target.

Milley pointed out that the Ukrainian military’s counteroffensive is making steady progress, although it is slower than planned. “I am aware of the criticism that we have failed, but we have not failed,” he said, adding that Ukraine’s military “remains with considerable fighting strength. It is not depleted.”

He declined to predict the likelihood of achieving more ambitious goals, such as advancing to the southern coast or retaking Mariupol, saying: “It will take a considerable amount of time to militarily remove more than 200,000 Russian soldiers from the occupied territories.” “It’s a very high hurdle.”

On the other hand, regarding the fact that Ukraine has been criticizing the slow pace of arms deliveries, he said that the problem depends on the military, saying, “You can’t just sprinkle some magic powder and the supplies will appear immediately.” he emphasized. (c)AFP