Disaster Awaits: Has Trump Turned His Back on Putin? /Lt Col Daniel Davis

Daniel Davis Deep Dive Merch: Etsy store

President Trump is expected to make a major announcement today regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, possibly after his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. Although the exact statement hasn't yet been made public, clues from Trump, his allies (notably Lindsey Graham and Senator Blumenthal), and his recent public comments give a strong sense of what’s coming.

Key Highlights:

Trump’s Comments (Sunday):

The U.S. will send Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, but the EU will fund it.

Trump emphasized it's “business for us,” hinting at a commercial/military-industrial motive.

He criticized Putin as duplicitous—"talks nice, bombs at night."

Putin-Trump July 3rd Phone Call:

Trump had asked Putin for an unconditional ceasefire, which was rejected.

Analysts find it puzzling Trump thought he could sway Putin with charm or pressure.

Putin and Russian officials remain diplomatically firm: they will secure what they see as vital territory either through negotiation or force.

Likely U.S. Actions Trump Will Announce:

Increase in military aid to Ukraine.

Sanctions on Russia.

Seizure of Russian assets.

Strategy shift toward a “hardline” approach if diplomacy fails.

Ukrainian Reaction:

Zelenskyy, after meeting with General Keith Kellogg, expressed strong gratitude to Trump for resuming weapons deliveries, especially air defense systems.

The Ukrainian media presentation of these meetings was described as cinematic and propagandistic, likely designed to project confidence amid battlefield challenges.

Reality on the Ground:

Despite upbeat rhetoric, Ukraine is struggling:

Russian airstrikes are increasingly effective.

Ukraine’s claim of 97% interception of incoming missiles is disputed.

Russian air power is overwhelming Ukraine's defenses.

German media reports a massive Russian offensive is expected within weeks.

Analysis & Context:

Commentators caution that more air defense missiles won’t turn the tide of the war.

U.S. actions seem driven by business interests and political posturing, not strategic effectiveness.

There’s skepticism about whether Western aid can significantly alter battlefield realities.

A viewer’s comment—suggesting the West wants war to seize Russian resources—was addressed skeptically by the host, who argued such ambitions are unrealistic and likely to fail.

Conclusion:

Trump's upcoming announcement appears to signal a more aggressive, business-oriented approach to the Ukraine war, focused on military aid and economic pressure on Russia. However, experts warn that these actions may have limited strategic impact and may not reverse Ukraine's deteriorating position on the battlefield.