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

The Russians are now in a situation where their offensive operations are achieving almost nothing on the battlefield, while Ukraine's successes are helping to create the conditions needed to end the war.

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

Details: Vance revealed 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 exhaust Russia rather than launch costly offensive operations aimed at recapturing occupied territories.

Reminiscing about the summer of 2023, Vance said that the main subject of debate was whether Ukraine should attempt a large-scale counteroffensive. He noted that the entire Western world, including then president Joe Biden, was pressuring the Ukrainians to launch a large-scale counteroffensive, which, as it turned out, "was a strategic and tactical disaster".

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

Vance said the approach has borne far more fruit, 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, 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 Ukraine currently has the advantage in the war.

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