Overview

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was surprised but called the statement a very positive signal that the U.S. could support Ukraine to the end of the war.
• The Kremlin dismissed the characterization, with Dmitry Peskov insisting Russia is a real bear and rejecting the idea that Ukraine can recapture occupied territory.
• Reports attribute the rhetorical shift to new U.S. intelligence and adviser briefings citing Russian battlefield setbacks and economic strain, including ISW casualty assessments and IEA revenue data.
• Administration figures, including Vice President JD Vance, said the message is meant to pressure Moscow into talks, and outlets report no formal policy change, including continued limits on using U.S.-made weapons inside Russia.
• Allies and analysts say the comments have reopened debate about the feasibility of a Ukrainian victory, though concrete new U.S. commitments have not been announced.