** NEW MERCH ** Jackets & Sweatshirts, Thermo Mugs!! Daniel Davis Deep Dive Merch: Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/shop/DanielDavisDeepDive?ref=seller-platform-mcnav Patrik Baab argues that Western governments—especially in Europe—refuse to pursue a negotiated settlement with Russia because their political survival depends on continuing the war. He claims Ukraine is being sacrificed (“brought to the butcher”) to serve Western geopolitical interests, primarily the U.S. goal of weakening Russia. According to this view: U.S. “deep state” institutions (Pentagon, CIA, parts of both parties) want the war to continue, and European leaders align with them. Zelensky and his circle, described as dominated by right-wing nationalists, also depend on the war for their power. The speaker believes Western elites act against their own populations’ interests, driven by ideology, survival instincts, or influence from defense industries and financial actors profiting from the conflict. He argues Russia is preparing for a wider war with Europe and that European leaders keep the U.S. engaged because they cannot face Russia alone. The speaker says rational policy would be to end the war by meeting Russia’s demands: neutrality for Ukraine, no NATO ties, a non-hostile government in Kyiv, and recognition of the territories Russia annexed in 2022. He criticizes the EU’s repeated sanctions packages as ineffective and self-damaging. The conversation also discusses “deep state” influence, with examples like Liz Truss arguing that unelected bureaucracies hold real power. The speaker agrees partly but says powerful external interests—military-industrial and financial sectors—push leaders into prolonging the war. He claims European bureaucracies resist admitting their strategic mistakes about Russia’s strength, and EU institutions have become increasingly authoritarian and war-driven. Overall, the argument is that Western elites, bureaucrats, and financial/military interests are locked into a self-destructive strategy of escalating the conflict rather than seeking a settlement aligned with reality.