Daniel Davis Deep Dive Merch: Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/shop/DanielDavisDeepDive?ref=seller-platform-mcnav Danny argues that European and Ukrainian leaders, not Russia, are now the main obstacle to peace because they refuse realistic negotiations despite having the ability to end the war. They criticize the West’s moral posturing, saying it only prolongs death, destruction, and risks escalation with the U.S. According to a Ukrainian Telegram source, Trump recently told Europeans and Zelensky that either Ukraine moves toward peace by conceding territory or the U.S. will withdraw, leaving Europe alone to fight, which would mean Ukraine’s eventual defeat. Zelensky is set to meet Trump in Washington on August 18 to discuss a possible peace treaty. Trump faces a dilemma: If he withdraws support, Russia likely wins quickly, ending the war but causing Trump to be condemned as having “abandoned” Ukraine. If he continues aid, U.S. resources won’t sustain the fight, only dragging the war out and leading to more Ukrainian deaths and eventual defeat anyway. Danny suggests the best outcome is Trump pressing Zelensky and Europe into a settlement on terms acceptable to Russia, stopping the bloodshed, restoring U.S.–Russia relations, and lowering the risk of a wider war. Finally, they note Putin hinted Trump’s next meeting could be in Moscow, which would be historic but controversial. The speaker thinks this should happen only after a peace deal to avoid charges of Trump being Putin’s puppet, but believes it could help cement improved relations if handled correctly.