Daniel Davis Deep Dive

The speaker, reflecting a pro-Russian perspective, asserts that the Russian public is fully united behind the war effort and views continued support for the military as a national duty. He insists that there will be no end to the war until Russia achieves total victory, dismissing the idea of a stalemate or negotiated peace as dangerous, likening it to a prelude to broader escalation like WWII.He mocks Western plans to rebuild Ukraine, claiming that in reality, Russia will rebuild and develop what it now considers “Russian” cities, and that Western companies will be excluded from that process. He highlights widespread popular mobilization in Russia—citizens sacrificing money, drones, and supplies—but warns that many Russians may underestimate how long the war will last.The speaker also emphasizes that Russia’s leadership, military, and society are committed to achieving their objectives laid out in Lavrov's peace plan and will not stop regardless of Western actions or timelines. He asserts that Russia is successfully advancing, degrading Ukrainian forces, and has no internal dissent.Regarding former President Trump, the speaker laughs off his recent criticisms of Putin and renewed support for Ukraine, suggesting U.S. actions and sanctions are irrelevant and ineffective. He argues the only impact of sanctions is logistical—delaying car parts—and predicts the U.S. will eventually abandon Ukraine, focusing instead on profiting from military aid rather than genuinely supporting Kyiv.Finally, the host closes by echoing this sentiment, calling Western support futile and expressing a desire for the war to end quickly to stop further bloodshed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The discussion centers on the absurdity of Donald Trump being considered for the Nobel Peace Prize, especially in light of ongoing wars and his contradictory actions. Trump’s supposed peace efforts are contrasted with his record of escalating conflicts, such as restarting arms shipments to Ukraine and authorizing bombings in Iran. Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson criticizes both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that their rhetoric and policies contribute to, rather than resolve, conflicts—particularly in the Middle East.Netanyahu, in a recent statement, dismissed the idea of a two-state solution, citing Hamas’s October 7th attack and claiming it proves Palestinians can't be trusted with statehood. Johnson pushes back, labeling Netanyahu’s narrative as propaganda, pointing to lopsided casualty figures that suggest a genocide against Palestinians rather than mutual violence. He argues that the West, including Trump, is complicit in this by enabling Israeli actions while falsely portraying them as peaceful or defensive.The conversation concludes with outrage at the global silence over what is described as systemic, large-scale Palestinian suffering and a manipulated narrative that inverts victim and aggressor roles.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

About a week ago, former President Trump made a surprise announcement halting U.S. military aid to Ukraine, specifically cutting off critical defensive weapons like long-range interceptors and 155mm shells—vital components for Ukraine’s defense. This move shocked Ukrainian officials and led to urgent calls for clarification. It also triggered a flurry of international concern and phone calls between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky.However, during a recent press event following Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to the White House, Trump reversed course, stating that the U.S. would continue sending primarily defensive weapons to Ukraine, as they are "getting hit very hard."Colonel Jacques Baud, a former Swiss intelligence officer, commented that Trump might be overestimating the leverage U.S. arms transfers provide. He also pointed out deeper systemic issues: the U.S. is running low on munitions and struggling to replenish its stockpiles due to supply chain challenges—particularly a shortage of rare earth materials, much of which come from China. China has recently restricted such exports to U.S. defense contractors, which could impact production of critical systems like missiles and even F-35s.Supporting this, on July 1, reports emerged that the Deputy Secretary of Defense had warned U.S. interceptor stockpiles were critically low, prompting a recommendation to suspend transfers to Ukraine. This led to public reassurances from U.S. officials, including Ambassador Whitaker, who framed the pause as part of an “America First” strategy to prioritize U.S. defense readiness.The Pentagon, sensing alarm at home and abroad, then walked back the panic, emphasizing this was a “capability review”—not a signal of weakness—and claimed the U.S. military remains fully capable and prepared, citing recent successful operations as proof.In essence, the controversy reveals:Strategic uncertainty and inconsistent messaging from the U.S.Internal concerns about munitions shortages and long-term sustainabilityThe growing impact of supply chain dependencies on geopolitical decisionsA fragile balance between supporting Ukraine and maintaining U.S. military readiness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The discussion with Col. Douglas Macgregor explores rising tensions that suggest a growing risk of broader war between NATO and Russia, despite both sides claiming to seek deterrence. Putin has launched a new domestic mobilization campaign called the People’s Front, signaling a shift toward full-scale war preparation in Russia. While his rhetoric frames it as a civil unity movement, many Russians—including within his inner circle—are frustrated with the prolonged nature of the Ukraine conflict and expect total national mobilization to finish it decisively.Macgregor argues that Russia’s economy has adapted well to sanctions, and although the war has taken longer than expected, Russian losses are relatively low compared to Ukraine’s, which he claims have reached catastrophic levels (allegedly 1.7–1.8 million dead, though this number is highly controversial and not corroborated by independent sources).Beyond Ukraine, Russia faces new strategic problems in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan, once a Russian ally, is now aligned with Israel, Turkey, and the U.S., and may be preparing to invade northwestern Iran—potentially triggering ethnic unrest among Azeris in Iran. Azerbaijan is also reportedly hosting Western intelligence operations (Mossad, CIA, MI6) targeting Iran. This threatens Iran’s internal stability and could lead to a new regional war.Meanwhile, Erdogan’s Turkey is pursuing its own ambitions in Syria and Lebanon, sometimes cooperating with Israel but with diverging goals. Russia, focused on Ukraine, may have lost control over its southern flank, creating a wider regional instability involving Iran, Israel, Turkey, and Syria. Macgregor suggests Moscow now realizes the urgency of ending the Ukraine war to reassert control over its broader strategic position.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Earlier this week, the U.S. announced it would stop sending 155mm artillery shells and air defense missiles to Ukraine. However, President Trump now appears to be reconsidering, saying the U.S. might send more Patriot interceptors after all. This comes amid ongoing, intense Russian air attacks — including recent strikes near Kyiv — that have overwhelmed Ukraine's limited air defenses.Trump acknowledged the need for these interceptors, calling them effective, but also downplayed expectations, admitting that a few missiles won’t change the war’s outcome. He cited recent attacks involving over 1,000 Russian drones and missiles in just two days — far beyond what Ukraine’s current defenses can handle. The U.S. can only produce about 600 interceptors per month, highlighting the scale of the problem.In public comments, Trump emphasized that he doesn’t want to see more people die but repeatedly framed the war as “Biden’s deal,” suggesting he may be positioning himself to step back from deeper U.S. involvement. His language lacked firm commitment, hinting that while he might send aid or enforce sanctions, he's unsure it will matter.He also referenced recent calls with both Putin (on July 3) and Zelensky (on July 4), calling the latter “very strategic.” On sanctions, Trump noted ongoing Senate efforts but cast doubt on their effectiveness, saying Russia has become largely sanctions-proof.Overall, Trump seems increasingly pragmatic and reluctant, signaling a potential shift back to a strategy of disengagement if he believes the conflict is unwinnable or politically costly.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump Admits: PUTIN's NOT STOPPING /Lt Col Daniel DavisSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The conversation opens with a reflection on how the Russia-Ukraine war can appear, at a glance, to have devolved into a financial and bureaucratic contest—focused on who’s spending the most, hiring the most contractors, or making the best deals. But the reality remains: there is still a brutal war occurring, with real human cost, suffering, and military progress on the ground.Dr. Gilbert Doctorow, historian and author of War Diaries Part One: Russia-Ukraine War 2022–2023, joins Daniel Davis to give insight into how the war unfolded and how the West has misunderstood many of its elements.Key Points:Initial Expectations and Misjudgments:Most analysts (including the author) expected the war to end quickly, given Russia’s initial advantage.Russia did not conduct a "shock and awe" campaign like the U.S. typically does; instead, it tried to limit damage and casualties, assuming it would eventually have to live peacefully with Ukrainians again.This restraint was mistaken in the West as weakness.Western vs. Russian Military Thinking:Western wars, especially in the Middle East, often lacked cultural ties or concern for civilian life.In contrast, Russia and Ukraine share centuries of familial, cultural, and historical ties, which influenced early Russian military conduct.2014 and the Crimea Precedent:In 2014, during the Crimea standoff, Ukrainian troops largely surrendered or defected.Russia expected a similar reaction in 2022, misjudging how much the Ukrainian military had changed, especially due to U.S. and UK training and ideological hardening.Ukrainian Resistance:By 2022, Ukraine had a motivated and ideologically-driven military, with radical nationalist elements like the Azov Battalion integrated into its formal forces.These changes made a quick Russian victory impossible.Intelligence Failures:Russia significantly underestimated Ukrainian resistance.The U.S. overestimated how quickly Russia would take over.Peace Talks and Zelensky’s Position:Early on, Zelensky publicly entertained the idea of neutrality (non-NATO status), which was Russia’s core demand.Negotiations in Belarus and Istanbul showed promise, with draft agreements emerging by April 2022.However, Zelensky’s position soon hardened, possibly due to Western influence, and meaningful talks stalled.Dr. Doctorow expresses skepticism about taking Zelensky’s statements at face value, suggesting political maneuvering.About the Book:War Diaries is not a conventional military history but a personal journalistic account.It includes rare insights from trips to Russia during the war—a period when most Western journalists had left due to COVID or legal fears.Doctorow had access via a humanitarian visa (his wife is Russian), giving him a unique on-the-ground perspective.Conclusion:The war has been deeply misunderstood in the West due to assumptions about how wars are fought, underestimation of Russia’s strategy, and overreliance on propaganda. Doctorow’s book offers a ground-level narrative of how those expectations clashed with the messy, prolonged, and politically complex reality of the war.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Russia is intensifying its offensive against Ukraine, while Ukraine is struggling with dwindling ammunition supplies following the U.S. cutting some aid. Meanwhile, Western political elites are seen as disconnected from the war’s harsh realities, continuing to act as though their policies are working. On the ground, Ukrainian troops are suffering heavy casualties and steadily losing territory to Russia.Key Points from Interview with Journalist Patrick Bob:Isolation Strategy Failing: The West's attempt to isolate Russia economically and diplomatically has failed. Russia remains well-connected globally, especially with countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. Over 150 UN member states still cooperate with Russia.Western Decline, Eastern Rise: Economic power is shifting to East Asia (e.g., Singapore, Hong Kong). Russia’s economy is growing (reportedly 4% GDP growth), while Western economies, particularly Germany’s, are shrinking under the weight of their own sanctions.Sanctions Backfiring: Western sanctions against Russia are hurting European economies more than Russia. These sanctions have turned into a boomerang, especially as Russia is resource-rich and self-sufficient.Dollar Dominance Declining: Many countries are moving away from the U.S. dollar in trade, weakening America’s ability to fund its military spending through debt and inflation exportation.Budget Strain and NATO Goals Unrealistic: Western countries, including Germany, are unlikely to meet NATO's 5% defense spending targets due to already strained budgets. This would force deep cuts to social programs, likely causing civil unrest.Internal Western Fractures: Some European leaders (e.g., Slovakia’s Robert Fico) oppose further sanctions on Russia due to domestic costs like rising energy prices, showing growing disunity within the West.Trump's Strategy: The Trump team doesn't seek peace so much as to shift the financial and military burden of the Ukraine war onto Europe, further stressing transatlantic relations.Grim Forecast for Ukraine: Ukraine's military lines are overstretched and weakening. The interview suggests Ukraine's front may collapse soon, and predicts Germany could become a direct participant in the war, making it a target for Russian retaliation.Wider Implications: With reports of U.S. coordination of the war from German soil, the risk of escalation and broader European involvement is increasing. The interview ends on a warning that Germany might be the "next" to suffer the consequences of this conflict.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summary: Trump–Putin Call on Ukraine War and BeyondA previously unannounced call took place between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, shortly after the U.S. halted key weapons shipments to Ukraine. Trump used the call to urge Putin for an immediate ceasefire and a quick end to the war, but Putin refused, reaffirming that Russia will not back down from its core objectives.Key Points:Tone of the Call: Despite the refusal, the Russian side described the call as cordial and professional, with long-term diplomatic openness emphasized.Putin’s Position: Russia insists that any peace must resolve the “root causes” of the war, including:Permanent Ukrainian neutrality (no NATO),Demilitarization,Denazification (as defined by Russia),Legal guarantees of a non-nuclear Ukraine, andProtection for Russian-speaking populations.Russian Readout: Putin reiterated Russia’s willingness to negotiate, but only under the conditions laid out in its 12-point proposal (first floated in Istanbul). No third round of talks has been scheduled, but Russia remains open to it.U.S. Media Response: Outlets like The Wall Street Journal reported the main takeaway as "Trump asked, Russia refused." The White House had not yet issued its own summary.Western Disconnect: The commentary highlights that many in the West, including European leaders, still believe they can pressure Russia into concessions. But Russia’s military and political leverage gives it little reason to compromise.Middle East Issues: The call also addressed Iran and broader Middle East tensions, with both leaders agreeing on the importance of diplomatic solutions over escalation.Bilateral Outlook: The two leaders reportedly confirmed an interest in future U.S.-Russia cooperation, particularly in energy and space, signaling that both are thinking beyond the current war.Conclusion:While Trump failed to secure a breakthrough on Ukraine, the call maintained open lines of communication and reinforced Russia’s firm, unchanged demands. Trump is praised for continuing diplomacy, in contrast to Western hawkishness, with the analysis suggesting that dialogue—however limited—is better than isolation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Russia is intensifying its offensive against Ukraine, while Ukraine is struggling with dwindling ammunition supplies following the U.S. cutting some aid. Meanwhile, Western political elites are seen as disconnected from the war’s harsh realities, continuing to act as though their policies are working. On the ground, Ukrainian troops are suffering heavy casualties and steadily losing territory to Russia.Key Points from Interview with Journalist Patrick Bob:Isolation Strategy Failing: The West's attempt to isolate Russia economically and diplomatically has failed. Russia remains well-connected globally, especially with countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. Over 150 UN member states still cooperate with Russia.Western Decline, Eastern Rise: Economic power is shifting to East Asia (e.g., Singapore, Hong Kong). Russia’s economy is growing (reportedly 4% GDP growth), while Western economies, particularly Germany’s, are shrinking under the weight of their own sanctions.Sanctions Backfiring: Western sanctions against Russia are hurting European economies more than Russia. These sanctions have turned into a boomerang, especially as Russia is resource-rich and self-sufficient.Dollar Dominance Declining: Many countries are moving away from the U.S. dollar in trade, weakening America’s ability to fund its military spending through debt and inflation exportation.Budget Strain and NATO Goals Unrealistic: Western countries, including Germany, are unlikely to meet NATO's 5% defense spending targets due to already strained budgets. This would force deep cuts to social programs, likely causing civil unrestSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.