** NEW MERCH ** Jackets & Sweatshirts, Thermo Mugs!! Daniel Davis Deep Dive Merch: Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/shop/DanielDavisDeepDive?ref=seller-platform-mcnav Larry Johnson argues that Russia has entered a new, more aggressive phase of the Ukraine war, using advanced high-speed weapons to cripple Ukraine’s power grid and “turn the lights off” nationwide. This shift, they claim, is driven by Russia’s conclusion that diplomacy with the United States is no longer possible—largely due to actions attributed to Donald Trump over the prior two weeks. Key points cited include: A December 28 meeting with Ukraine’s president, followed by a U.S.-assisted Ukrainian drone attack targeting Vladimir Putin’s residence and a nearby nuclear command facility during supposed peace talks. Although the attack failed, Russia reportedly recovered drone controllers and determined U.S. involvement, triggering intense anger. Subsequent U.S. actions interpreted by Russia as coordinated regime-change efforts: protests in Iran allegedly supported by CIA/Mossad operations, pressure on Iran using propaganda and proxy groups, and actions against Venezuela, including the detention of Nicolás Maduro. Public statements by Trump and senior U.S. figures dismissing international law, reinforcing Russia’s view that the U.S. no longer respects legal or diplomatic constraints. Broader U.S. rhetoric and actions (Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Greenland, etc.) that Russia interprets as imperial overreach threatening its global interests. As a result, the speaker contends Russia has decided to abandon restraint, use its military reserves, intensify strikes, accelerate advances across Ukraine, and reject territorial concessions. They argue Russia believes any deal with the U.S. would be deceptive. The discussion then shifts to U.S. domestic implications: erosion of constitutional checks on presidential war powers. Critics condemn figures like Lindsey Graham for opposing congressional limits on military action and downplaying the War Powers Act, framing this as a broader constitutional crisis. The speaker emphasizes that bipartisan majorities have supported congressional constraints, warning that unchecked executive power undermines both U.S. law and global stability. Overall conclusion: Trump’s recent actions have, in the speaker’s view, irreparably damaged U.S. diplomacy, escalated global tensions, and pushed Russia toward a more forceful and expansive military strategy.