KYIV, Ukraine — The United States has dispatched a special task force to Ukraine to help the war-torn nation recover once hostilities finally cease. Among the task force’s top priorities: provide expertise on rebuilding a national power grid, reestablishing vital trade, and delaying or denying for decades the medical care and other benefits earned by Ukrainian military forces.

“We all know that fighting wars is expensive, with astronomical costs in terms of people and dollars,” said Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “So you have to prioritize spending. For example, I hear some troops may have been exposed to radioactive soil near Chernobyl. Whoo boy, that’s gonna be expensive. Might want to delay paying for that kind of treatment until you buy the next-generation counterbattery radar.”

The team, designated Task Force Kick the Can Down the Road, has military and political components.