Russia Ukraine: Nobody's Happy! /Lt Col Daniel Davis

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The segment discusses the stalemate in the Russia–Ukraine war, the unchanging Russian conditions for peace, and the escalating strikes between the two sides.

Russian officials — including Sergey Lavrov and President Putin — continue to insist the war will not end until “root causes” are addressed, meaning denazification, demilitarization, recognition of annexed territories, and no NATO expansion. Moscow shows no sign of changing its position.

After Trump’s meeting proposal collapsed, Zelensky appeared encouraged to keep fighting, asserting Ukraine has the situation under control and praising new long-range strike capabilities hitting Russian oil facilities. In response, Russia launched massive retaliatory barrages (over 400 missiles and drones) across Ukraine targeting energy and transport infrastructure.

Reports claim Ukraine used British Storm Shadow missiles in recent attacks inside Russia — a move that could risk major escalation if Western involvement is confirmed. Analysts warn this could provoke asymmetric retaliation by Russia.

The speaker argues Ukraine faces severe resource and logistical problems — particularly with missile defense. Each Russian Iskander missile could force Ukraine to fire multiple costly Patriot missiles, exhausting limited supplies. Despite occasional successes, Ukrainian strikes cause minimal strategic damage, while Russia maintains production and reach.

Russia retains the initiative and endurance in the conflict.

Western efforts to pressure Russia have failed to change its stance.

Continued escalation and Western aid risk broadening the war rather than ending it.

Ukraine also faces a manpower and morale crisis alongside its munitions shortage.