Ukrainians Want Peace, Zelensky Doesn't /Lt Col Daniel Davis & Diana Panchenko

Daniel Davis Deep Dive Merch: Etsy store

The speaker reflects critically on Ukraine’s choices and missed opportunities for peace early in the war. They highlight that in April 2022, Ukraine could have struck a deal in Istanbul by conceding just two provinces, but now faces greater territorial losses and mass casualties due to the continued conflict. Many Ukrainians, especially soldiers on the front lines, now question whether peace should have been prioritized earlier.

There is growing frustration among ordinary Ukrainians who feel betrayed by the government and disillusioned with the West's promises. The Ukrainian government is accused of corruption (e.g., stolen defense funds), mismanagement, and launching a domestic media campaign to attack U.S. Republicans like Trump and Vance — despite being funded by American taxpayers. The speaker suggests the Zelensky government fears losing Western money and thus avoids peace efforts.

Meanwhile, Western military support for Ukraine is visibly declining, especially as aid is redirected to Israel due to the new conflict with Iran. U.S. weapon supplies are decreasing, and no new aid packages have been approved in months. Trump, once vocal about resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, is now seen as more friendly toward Russia, causing alarm in Kyiv.

The Russians are reportedly emboldened by these developments, believing the West is losing interest in Ukraine. The overarching theme is deep regret that a war that might have ended in 2022 has now spiraled, with Ukraine increasingly isolated, militarily strained, and politically fractured.