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Russia Isn’t Just Fighting Ukraine, It’s Targeting the World Order, Says Top US Commander
General Christopher G. Cavoli, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and head of US forces on the continent, delivered a stark assessment of Russia’s ambitions and Ukraine’s resilience during a high-level hearing before the House Armed Services Committee.
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Appearing before lawmakers as part of the committee’s annual defense review on April 5, the four-star general—who has served 38 years in the US Army, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan—warned that Russia remains a “chronic and growing threat,” even as its military capabilities degrade.
“Russia’s war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has revealed it to be a chronic threat, one that is willing to use military force to achieve its geopolitical goals,” Cavoli told the committee. “It is actively waging a campaign of destabilization across Europe and beyond.”
“Further exacerbating this threat from Russia are the deepening partnerships among our adversaries: Iran, the Communist Chinese Party, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Russia itself, and these are increasingly posing a global risk,” he said.
Ukraine’s defensive position improving
Responding to pointed questions from members of Congress, Cavoli firmly rejected the notion that Ukraine is destined to lose the war.
“The Ukrainians are in very strong defensive positions right now and are improving weekly their ability to generate and reinforce those positions,” he said. “It is very hard to envision Ukraine collapsing and losing this conflict.”
When asked whether Ukraine is winning the war, Cavoli stated, “They are in a much better position not to lose it.” He added, “They are trying to win, and that starts with making sure Russia doesn’t.”
According to the general, Ukrainian forces continue to adapt and evolve, despite immense pressure. “They started from a cold start and have developed very, very quickly. We’ve learned a lot from watching both sides,” he said.
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Russian forces weakened, offensives stalling
Cavoli said Russia’s ground forces have suffered significant degradation over the course of the war, and are currently incapable of launching a major new offensive.
“They are nowhere near being able to make a big push right now,” he told the committee.
He cited recent battles in East of Ukraine, including Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, and Pokrovsk, where Russian efforts have dwindled.
“In recent weeks, their offensives have petered out,” he noted, describing a shift from company-level attacks to small infantry units “rushing forward under artillery fire"—with little success. “In fact, Ukraine has gained some ground there recently.”
He also pointed to the situation around Kursk and Belgorod, where Ukrainian forces continue to hold territory and push limited counteroffensives, despite Russian attempts to reclaim ground.
F-16s and Patriots performing strongly in Ukraine
Cavoli praised the performance of US and Western-supplied weapons in Ukraine, including F-16 fighter jets and Patriot missile systems.
“The F-16s are flying daily and have defeated a large number of cruise missile threats,” he said, noting that the aircraft were donated by European allies, not the US.
Regarding the Patriot systems, Cavoli admitted initial doubts about how quickly Ukraine could adapt to the complex technology.
“But they took to it like fish to water,” he said. “In fact, we are now learning from their employment techniques.”
He also pushed back strongly against claims that US-supplied weapons are being stolen or misused. “We are tracking down to virtually every bullet. There is no evidence whatsoever of diversion or theft,” he confirmed.
Russia’s broader threat and China ties
Cavoli warned that Russia’s threat extends beyond Ukraine and that Moscow’s behavior fits a broader historical pattern. “My professional assessment is that this is not a one-off. It’s a recurring feature of Russian history and current behavior.”
He also confirmed that Russia and China are cooperating militarily in ways that could pose a threat to the United States. “They are certainly cooperating, not for the benefit of the USA,” he said.
When asked whether Russia is studying US responses in Ukraine to prepare for a possible Chinese move on Taiwan, Cavoli said, “They are.”
A strategic shift
Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has transformed into a primarily Western-equipped military. Cavoli called it a “fantastic feat,” especially given the pressure of fighting “one of the world’s largest armies.”
He concluded with a broader reflection on the strength of US alliances. “Our strengthened allies increase our strength. And our deep relationships give us access, basing, and intelligence that are absolutely vital.”
Cavoli’s remarks emphasized not only Ukraine’s continued resilience but also the strategic necessity of supporting Kyiv in what he called a “historic test” of international stability.
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