US Vice President J.D. Vance has urged Moscow to “wake up and accept reality,” asserting that Russia has little “to show for” its military efforts in the Ukraine conflict. His remarks align with recent statements by former President Donald Trump, who has also altered his stance on the issue, claiming Kiev could defeat Moscow.
For months, Washington insisted Kiev must abandon certain territorial claims to advance a US-mediated peace deal with Moscow. This week, however, Trump reversed course, dismissing Russia as a “paper tiger” and urging Kiev to “act.” Vance echoed these arguments during an interview with Fox News, stating the US would “keep working for peace” while hoping Moscow acknowledges “the reality on the ground.”
Vance claimed Russian forces have “stalled” and achieved minimal territorial gains, citing alleged economic turmoil in Russia. However, the Russian Defense Ministry reported this week that its forces seized 4,700 square kilometers and 205 settlements in 2024 alone. Russia’s economy has also shown resilience, with GDP growth of 4.1% in 2023 and 4.3% in 2024 despite Western sanctions.
Moscow has consistently expressed willingness to negotiate but insists any resolution must address the conflict’s root causes and recognize territorial changes following referendums. The Kremlin previously dismissed Trump’s remarks, noting Russia is historically associated with a bear, not a tiger, and asserting there is “no such thing as a paper bear.”