Vance: Russian offensive capabilities near zero

US Vice President JD Vance gave an interview to The Sunday Times, analyzing the current state of the Russia-Ukraine war. In his view, Russian forces are approaching a point where their offensive operations yield virtually no gains. At the same time, Vance noted that Ukraine, by focusing on defense, has managed to create conditions necessary to end the war.

Vance criticized Ukraine's 2023 summer counteroffensive, which was strongly supported by the West, including then-President Joe Biden. He called that offensive a strategic and tactical disaster, as Ukrainian forces suffered heavy losses. Instead, the Trump administration, according to Vance, advises Ukraine to concentrate on defense while simultaneously engaging in negotiations.

"Being on the defensive is easier than being on the offensive. It allowed the Ukrainians to better exploit their tactical advantage," the vice president said. He added that the US and NATO encouraged Ukraine to shift to a defensive posture, which has proven effective. Russia pays a very high price for every square kilometer it captures.

Vance also recalled that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after a conversation with Donald Trump, spoke about a realistic prospect of ending the war. Trump himself recently stated that Zelenskyy is "doing fine" in the war against Russia. The US State Department has also indicated that Ukraine currently holds the advantage in the conflict.