General Christopher Cavoli stated: the finale in the style of World War II is impossible. Russia is unable to force Ukraine to capitulate, and Kyiv will not go to Moscow. The resolution will be diplomatic, but before that, according to him, 'military means must play their role.'
Strategic Stalemate
Cavoli voices the pure pragmatism of the Pentagon and publicly affirms the strategic deadlock.
The physics of the process are simple: neither side has enough resources for a complete defeat of the opponent. Therefore, the war is gradually shifting from a struggle for absolute victory to a phase of coercive force towards an agreement.
The phrase that weapons must 'play their role' effectively describes the current summer campaign. The armies are now performing not only military but also negotiation functions: raising the price of mutual concessions and trying to more advantageously outline the future line of freezing.
Every kilometer lost or captured in real time transforms into a future point of the negotiation document.
War as Preparation for Bargaining
The current hostilities increasingly resemble a path to unconditional victory. Rather, it is the final stage of exhaustion, during which both sides seek to improve their starting positions before diplomatic fixation.
It involves a harsh and cynical logic: blood, equipment, and territories are converted into bargaining arguments.
That is why the intensity of fighting may even increase ahead of a potential ceasefire. The stronger the position on the battlefield, the more favorable the conditions at the negotiation table can be.
Conclusion
Illusions of absolute victory are gradually being discarded. The higher NATO command is effectively legalizing the scenario of a harsh compromise.
The current campaign is becoming the final sprint of exhaustion, in which the parties are burning the remnants of reserves not for the sake of a march on capitals, but for a more advantageous line of future freezing.
The finale of this war will most likely be determined not by the moment of a complete military collapse of one side, but by the moment when further shooting no longer improves negotiation positions.