According to estimates by the US military, Russia has so far suffered well over 100,000 soldiers killed or wounded in the war against Ukraine. The same probably applies to the Ukrainian side, US Chief of Staff Mark Milley said in a speech in New York on Wednesday evening (local time), according to media reports. In addition, around 40,000 Ukrainian civilians were killed. These numbers cannot be independently verified.

The war of aggression against Ukraine that began in February caused huge human suffering and was "an enormous strategic mistake" by Russia. The country will have to pay for this for years, Milley added in a speech at the think tank The Economic Club of New York.

Should the front lines stabilize during the winter, there may be a chance to negotiate an end to the conflict. If such an opportunity arises, it must be seized, Milley was quoted as saying. However, should negotiations fail or fail, the US would continue to supply Ukraine with weapons.