Daniel Davis Deep Dive Putin Shifting Russia's Red Lines / Dr. Gilbert Doctorow & Lt Col Daniel Davis
Oct 8, 2025
Dr. Gilbert Doctorow, a historian and international affairs analyst based in Brussels, joins Lt. Col. Daniel Davis to delve into Russia's shifting red lines amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They examine Western claims about Russian boundaries and whether Tomahawk missiles represent a real threat. Doctorow also discusses the implications of Germany's Taurus missiles and how Trump's stance complicates U.S.-Russia relations. Additionally, they explore the evolving dynamics of warfare, the slow Russian advance, and the strategic significance of Odessa.
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Putin's Earlier Tomahawk Red Line
- Vladimir Putin previously declared that long-range Western missiles in Ukraine would be effectively American-operated and could trigger Russian military response to the missile's source.
- That prior statement was stronger than recent rhetoric about attacking launchers inside Ukraine.
Red Lines Depend On The Adversary
- Russia hesitates to set and enforce red lines against the United States due to nuclear risk, but will enforce them against lesser NATO members.
- Enforcement calculus differs by opponent and perceived escalation risk.
Germany's Taurus As A Different Threat
- Doctorow argues Germany's Taurus missiles would pose a new threat Russia hasn't faced and could trigger Russian strikes on production sites.
- He believes Russia would treat attacks from Germany differently than from the United States.
