Psaki Declares Russians ‘Have Already Lost’ War in Ukraine ‘By Their Definition’

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki repeatedly made the claim that by Vladimir Putin’s own definition, the Russians have already “lost” their war against Ukraine.

At Wednesday’s briefing with reporters, Washington Post White House correspondent Cleve Wootson asked Psaki about recent comments by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin regarding the prospect of Ukrainians potentially “winning” the war against Russia.

In a detailed response and a follow-up, Psaki told Wootson that in a way, the Ukrainians have already won:

MR. WOOTSON: Thanks, Jen. I wanted to pivot to Ukraine. Secretary Austin recently said — and I want to get the quote right — “We believe that we can win, they can win if they have the right equipment, the right support.” How does the administration actually define “winning” in Ukraine? And does it mean that every last Russian troop is out?

MS. PSAKI: Well, first, I would say the way that President Putin defined — defined “winning” a war that he started from the beginning was taking over Ukraine, enveloping Ukraine into Russia, taking away their territorial integrity and their sovereignty. Clearly, that has not been successful.

You know, he expected and was planning to be marching through the streets of Kyiv, victorious, next Monday. Clearly, that is not what is going to happen.

He wanted this to be a moment to divide NATO, to divide the West. Clearly, that is not what is happening.

We’ve said we want Ukraine to win. We’re going to do everything we can to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and to strengthen the Ukrainians’ hands on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. That’s our role.

And they are defending their homeland courageously and bravely from the continued attacks from the Russians. But they’re going to define at the negotiating table, as we’re strengthening their hand, what they consider success on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. And we’re here to support their efforts.

MR. WOOTSON: I just want to follow up to make sure I’m clear. So, if Ukraine is fine with Russia taking over the eastern part of the country, for example, is that what the U.S. would consider a “win”? Is that what —

MS. PSAKI: The Ukrainians are going to define what a successful outcome looks like for them.

But what I think is important to note and not lose sight of is how the Russians have defined this. And they have already lost their — by their definition. They have not taken over Ukraine. President Putin is not going to be marching through — down the streets of Kyiv. They will not own the territorial integrity and sovereignty of this country. They have not divided NATO.

So now, at this point: Yes, what we’re trying to do is to — is strengthen their hand at the negotiating table, both by supplying weapons on the battlefield, both — and supporting them with whatever needs they have.
But it is for them to define through those negotiations.

Watch above via The White House and AP.