US Troops in Ukraine: A Long‑Term Plan, Not a Quick Fix
General Milley’s Bottom Line: “We’re Still Ways Away”
On Monday, General Mark Milley, the head of the Joint Chiefs, broke in at a press briefing and said the U.S. is “a ways away” from any decision about sending troops back into Ukraine. Even though some people are already doing the groundwork, it’s a story still waiting for a headline.
Biden’s Ultimate Call
Ultimately, it’s the president’s word that matters. “If we’re going to bring forces into Ukraine again, the president has to sign it off,” Milley reminded reporters, making it crystal clear that Biden’s decision is the final word.
What Could Be Shown: Low‑Level Planning
There’s talk of “low‑level planning”—the kind of homework a mid‑range plan needs to get ship shape. Milley clarified that none of these plans have made it to his desk or even the Secretary of Defense’s. In other words, the paperwork still lives in the basement.
The Pentagon’s Ongoing Mission
While the U.S. isn’t sending boots on the ground right now, Washington is busy supplying intel and weapons. The Pentagon is delivering training, hard‑to‑catch Russian intel, and a steady stream of munitions to keep Ukraine’s defenses sharp.
Denmark’s Harpoon Launch
At a recent virtual summit, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that 20 allies are new participants in Ukraine’s security package, with Denmark stepping up with Harpoon anti‑ship missiles and a launcher. This is a game‑changer, because it gives Kyiv a weapon that can reach farther than the usual short‑range kits the U.S. has been handing out.
- Harpoons can keep Russian ships away from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports.
- That opens up a vital corridor for grain exports and essential supplies.
- It also sends a subtle hint that the U.S. and its allies are not just talking, they’re actually expanding Ukraine’s reach.
Why It Matters
Ukraine has been begging for air defenses, longer‑range rockets, and the like, but most U.S. aid has been limited to Javelin anti‑tank systems and shelling support. The Harpoon is a step up—a missile capable of striking Russian naval vessels from a safe distance. It’s what Karako from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies calls a “measured push that extends operational intensity.”
Cross‑Country Collaboration
Even though only a few countries are willing to spare Harpoons, they’re pretty cautious about being the first to deploy them, fearing a Russian backlash if a ship is sunk. The real power will come when the U.S., Denmark, and others pool in targeting data to maximize the missile’s impact.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, the U.S. is still a long way from re‑introducing troops to Ukraine. Yet the gears are turning: low‑budget planning, intelligence sharing, and new weaponry like the Harpoon are all part of a larger, slower‑moving strategy. When Biden finally pulls the trigger, it’ll be a decision that the whole world watches expectantly. Until then, the U.S. is laying the groundwork, one missile and one piece of intel at a time.
