Vance: Russia's offensive capabilities in Ukraine approaching zero

US Vice President JD Vance believes Russia's ability to conduct effective offensive operations in Ukraine is nearly exhausted. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Vance argued that Ukraine's defensive strategy has proven far more successful than previous attempts at large-scale counteroffensives.

Vance recalled that in the summer of 2023, the entire Western world, including then US President Joe Biden, pressured Ukraine to launch a major counteroffensive, which he described as a strategic and tactical disaster. In contrast, the Trump administration supports Ukraine focusing on defense and parallel negotiations. According to Vance, defending is easier than attacking, and Ukrainians are making better use of their tactical advantages.

The Vice President added that Russia pays an extremely high price for every square kilometer it captures, and its offensive potential is approaching zero. This situation, he said, could create the necessary space to bring the war to an end. Vance attributed these successes to US and NATO advice for Ukraine to concentrate on defense, which has proven effective.

Notably, after a phone call with Trump on July 4, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said there is a real prospect of ending the war. In late June, Trump stated that Zelenskyy is doing pretty well against Russia. The US State Department recently declared that Ukraine is currently winning the war.