U.S. Vice President JD Vance believes Russia’s ability to make meaningful gains in Ukraine is rapidly diminishing, arguing that Moscow’s offensive operations are delivering fewer results while costing significant resources.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Vance said Russia is now paying a heavy price for every piece of territory it captures, suggesting the conflict has reached a point where continued offensives produce only limited military gains.
Defense Strategy Paying Off
Vance said modern warfare has changed dramatically due to the widespread use of drones, surveillance technology and precision weapons.
Because of those developments, he believes Ukraine’s strongest strategy is to maintain defensive positions while forcing Russia to exhaust its manpower and equipment rather than launching costly large-scale offensives.
According to Vance, this approach allows Ukraine to maximize its tactical advantages while steadily weakening Russian forces.
Looking Back at the 2023 Counteroffensive
Reflecting on Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive, Vance argued that many Western leaders encouraged Kyiv to launch an ambitious campaign to retake occupied territory.
He described that operation as a strategic and tactical setback, saying the heavy costs outweighed the gains achieved on the battlefield.
Instead, Vance said the current U.S. administration believes Ukraine should prioritize strengthening its defenses while pursuing diplomatic negotiations to end the conflict.
Russia Facing Mounting Costs
Vance claimed Russia’s offensive capabilities are now “approaching zero,” arguing that every additional advance comes at an increasingly high cost.
He said sustained defensive operations have made it much harder for Russian forces to achieve meaningful breakthroughs, creating conditions that could eventually open the door to a negotiated settlement.
According to Vance, the combination of Ukraine’s defensive tactics and continued support from the United States and NATO has helped slow Russia’s momentum.
Hopes for a Diplomatic Solution
His comments come as diplomatic efforts to end the war continue.
Following a recent conversation with President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he sees a genuine opportunity to move toward ending the conflict.
Trump has also recently stated that Ukraine is performing well in defending itself, while U.S. officials have suggested Kyiv currently holds important tactical advantages despite the ongoing fighting.
Although the war remains far from over, Vance’s assessment reflects growing optimism among some U.S. officials that Russia’s ability to sustain major offensive operations is becoming increasingly limited.
