Vance believes Russia's offensive capabilities in war with Ukraine are approaching zero

US Vice President JD Vance believes the Russians are now in a situation where their offensive operations are achieving almost nothing on the battlefield, whereas Ukraine's successes are helping to create the conditions needed to end the war.

Source: Vance in an interview with The Sunday Times, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Vance said that when he studied the war between Russia and Ukraine, it seemed obvious to him that given the proliferation of drones and surveillance technology, it made more sense for Ukraine to hold its positions and grind Russia down rather than launch costly offensive operations aimed at recapturing occupied territories.

Vance recalled that in the summer of 2023 the main subject being discussed was whether Ukraine should attempt to mount a large-scale counteroffensive. He noted that virtually the entire Western world, including then US president Joe Biden, was pressuring the Ukrainians to launch a major counteroffensive, which turned out to be a "strategic and tactical disaster".

Vance added that the Trump administration inclines towards the view that the Ukrainians should focus as much as possible on defence, in parallel with negotiations.

Vance said this approach has been far more fruitful, as it is easier to defend than to attack, allowing Ukrainians to make better use of their tactical advantage. He added that Russia is now in a position where what it can achieve through sustained offensive operations is negligible and approaching zero, which could create the space needed to bring the situation to a conclusion.

He added that the Russians are paying a high price for every square kilometre they capture, which he attributed to the US and NATO encouraging Ukraine to focus more on defence – an approach that has proved effective.

Background:

• Following a conversation with US President Donald Trump on 4 July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there is a real prospect of ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
• At the end of June, Trump said Zelenskyy is "doing pretty well" in the war against Russia. The US State Department also said recently that Ukraine is currently winning the war.

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