U.S. scrambles to reassure Ukraine after Milley comments on negotiations
The top general's remarks about a “window” for talks angered Ukrainian officials, people familiar with the matter said.
Gen. Mark Milley said that a victory by Ukraine may not be achieved militarily, and that winter may provide an opportunity to begin negotiations with Russia. | Olivier Matthys/AP Photo
By ALEXANDER WARD, LARA SELIGMAN and ERIN BANCO
11/14/2022 03:37 PM EST
The Biden administration is in damage control mode after a top U.S. general said a window for peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow could open this winter, with senior officials scrambling to assure Ukraine it wasn’t undercutting its goal of expelling the Russians.
Specifically, senior U.S. officials are telling their counterparts in Ukraine that the expected winter fighting pause doesn’t mean talks should happen imminently. Instead, they’re relaying that Washington will continue to support Kyiv’s militarily as it launches the next phase of advances on the battlefield, according to Ukrainian and U.S. officials familiar with the outreach.
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/14/u-s-ukraine-milley-negotiations-00066777