US Vice President: Ukraine cannot win prolonged war with Russia

United States Vice President J.D. Vance has expressed deep scepticism about Ukraine’s chances of winning its ongoing war with Russia, warning that prolonging the conflict could lead to catastrophic consequences rather than a Ukrainian victory.

Speaking on April 28 during an interview with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, Vance said it was unrealistic to expect Russia to collapse even if the fighting continues for several more years, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign press.

“If this doesn’t stop, the Ukrainians aren’t winning the war,” said Vance, a former Marine Corps veteran who has consistently argued against extended US involvement in the conflict. “I think there’s this weird idea among the mainstream media that if this thing goes on for just another few years, the Russians will collapse, the Ukrainians will take their territory back, and everything will go back to the way that it was before the war. That is not the reality that we live in.”

Vance warned that continued hostilities could lead to even greater loss of life and risk escalation on a much larger scale. “You could have millions more people killed if this thing goes on for another few years, and it could risk escalating into a nuclear war. It has to stop,” he said.

While acknowledging the difficulties of negotiating with both Kyiv and Moscow, the vice president insisted that diplomatic efforts are ongoing and showing signs of movement. “Sometimes you’re incredibly frustrated with Ukrainians. Sometimes you’re incredibly frustrated with the Russians,” he said. “And sometimes you just want to throw your hands up, but that’s what President Trump doesn’t let us do.”

His remarks came as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral three-day ceasefire starting May 8 to coincide with Victory Day commemorations marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticised the timing and motives behind the announcement, calling for a more immediate and meaningful ceasefire.

“For some reason, everyone is supposed to wait until May 8 before ceasing fire — just to provide Putin with silence for his parade,” Zelenskyy said on April 28. “We value human lives, not parades. That’s why we believe — and the world believes — that there is no reason to wait until May 8.”

Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s support for a broader and more durable cessation of hostilities. “[A cease-fire] must be immediate, full, and unconditional — for at least 30 days to ensure it is secure and guaranteed. This is the foundation that could lead to real diplomacy. We reaffirm this proposal,” he stated. “The American proposal also remains on the table.”

By Tamilla Hasanova