Ukraine has managed to shift the trajectory of the war and is currently gaining the upper hand in its struggle against Russian aggression. This was stated by Jeremy Levin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian, and Religion issues, during the Ukrainian Lunch in Gdańsk, organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation ahead of URC-2026.
Levin highlighted that Ukraine is making significant efforts to solidify this new phase of the war with the ultimate goal of achieving victory. He noted that the operational landscape has fundamentally transformed: while Ukrainian forces previously awaited winter pauses to regroup, the situation is now reversed. Today, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are on the offensive, while the Russian army is forced to wait for the winter season in hopes of relief.
The diplomat underscored that Ukraine has successfully altered the strategic dynamic, particularly through its effective strikes against Russian infrastructure during the winter. “This is a critical moment. Ukraine can continue to exert pressure on the battlefield,” Levin stressed.
Furthermore, Levin addressed the economic front, noting that the United States is considering removing exemptions from sanctions on Russian oil. He assured that Washington will maintain close collaboration with European partners to ensure that international pressure on Moscow remains robust and effective.
This shift in momentum coincides with reports regarding the stance of the US administration. Recent insights suggest that President Donald Trump has been impressed by Ukraine’s recent battlefield successes and has reportedly encouraged President Zelensky to act more decisively against Russia. There is a growing conviction in Washington that the Russian leadership will not retreat without substantial pressure—both military and economic.
The current situation serves as a turning point. By combining military gains, international economic sanctions, and firm diplomatic backing, Ukraine is successfully reshaping the narrative of the conflict. The ability to dictate the pace of operations while simultaneously forcing the Russian military into a reactive posture demonstrates a significant evolution in Ukraine’s combat capabilities. As the support from the global coalition remains steady, the prospect of Ukraine achieving its strategic objectives on the front lines becomes increasingly tangible.