Don’t really have a lot to prove for it

VP Vance Critiques Russia’s Position in Ukraine Conflict

WASHINGTON – On Sunday, Vice President JD Vance expressed skepticism about Russia’s effectiveness in the Ukraine war, noting the significant casualties and little to show for their efforts three years in.

He mentioned last week that he wasn’t surprised by President Trump’s unexpected statements regarding the situation.

“If we look back to the end of the Biden administration, not so long ago, the Russians were making substantial territorial gains,” Vance stated during a Fox News interview. “But what’s happening now? Russia seems quite bogged down,” he continued. “They’re inflicting casualties, yes, but they’re also suffering heavy losses themselves. And really, there’s not a lot of territorial achievement to showcase.”

Trump’s recent comments about Ukraine followed his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations, where he implied that Russia is merely a “paper tiger.”

Reports suggest that Trump’s shift in outlook is a “strategic change,” influenced in part by new intelligence on Russia’s economy and battlefield status.

“The president is monitoring developments. Look, the Russian economy is in a dire state. They’re not achieving much on the ground—it’s time for them to negotiate and heed his urgent call for serious peace discussions,” Vance remarked.

“The reality on the ground has changed,” the Vice President added. “However, what I’ve observed recently is that the Russians have been reluctant to engage in bilateral talks with Ukrainians.”

Vance is known for a tense interaction with Zelensky during their Oval Office meeting on February 28.

Since then, both have seemingly adjusted their relationship. In a recent Axios interview, Zelensky claimed Vance is not his adversary.

“He’s not my closest ally, but he’s not my enemy,” the Ukrainian leader stated.

Zelensky has faced challenges articulating the shift in his dynamic with the Trump administration since February, suggesting that part of Trump’s change is influenced by frustrations with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s untruthfulness.

Last month, Trump met with Putin in Alaska, seeking to encourage peace efforts. However, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine since that time.

In response to these developments, the U.S. President coordinated with NATO allies to impose secondary tariffs on nations still purchasing Russian oil.