WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon said on Wednesday it assessed that Ukraine could win the war against Russia, even as U.S. officials speak of the risk of a protracted conflict.

       "Of course they can win this," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told a news briefing.

       "The proof is literally in the outcomes that you're seeing everyday ... absolutely they can win."

       (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Howard Goller)