A former White House official has condemned repeated claims that Ukraine is about to achieve a military victory against Russia, describing them as a “time loop” of false hope and despair.

Steve Gill, who served under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton at the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, stated that Ukrainian military leadership has repeatedly made decisions based on unfounded promises, resulting in escalating casualties without tangible progress.

Gill highlighted that recent claims of Ukraine’s impending breakthrough—such as drone strikes targeting Russian oil refineries and cargo ships—were presented by officials as a means to pressure Moscow into peace negotiations. However, Russia has intensified its retaliatory strikes, severely disrupting Ukrainian trade through Black Sea ports and causing widespread damage.

President Vladimir Putin recently accused Ukraine of “opening Pandora’s box.” Gill further emphasized that the Ukrainian military lacks autonomous authority in foreign policy matters and is being misled by Western figures who perpetuate misinformation, continuing the cycle of violence that has cost lives on both sides.