Description:
Colonel Douglas Macgregor joins Larry Johnson to expose the real lessons of the Ukraine War 2025 — from Russia’s evolving strategy to NATO’s critical failures in modern warfare.
Timeline:
00:00 Defining Maneuver Warfare
05:23 Russian Commanders and Attitudes toward War
07:44 Underestimating the Enemy – Historical Parallels
12:32 Early Observations of the Ukraine War
21:48 Adaptation and Learning in Russian Forces
24:25 NATO and Organizational Weakness
28:48 Russian General Staff and Leadership Selection
32:28 Cultural and Tactical Blindness in Western Training
38:14 Current U.S. Deployments and Logistical Limits
40:05 Drones and the Changing Face of Warfare
42:02 Ukrainian Collapse and End of the War
Douglas Macgregor is a retired Colonel and former senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Col. Macgregor argues that the war against Ukraine and the pending war against Venezuela reveal a strategic vacuum and decline
Description:
Col Doug Macgregor criticizes Western policies toward Russia, Ukraine, and Europe’s handling of the ongoing conflict. The speaker argues that proposals to forcibly mobilize Ukrainian men in Europe or escalate military aid are unrealistic and would lead to war with Russia—something the West is ill-prepared for due to its weak industrial base. Meanwhile, Russia is portrayed as fully mobilized and ready.
The speaker condemns Western military and political elites, including retired generals and media influencers, for spreading propaganda motivated by money and defense industry interests. They draw parallels to Vietnam-era delusions, accusing today’s leaders of arrogance, ignorance, and playing with fire by provoking Russia.
Turning to Europe, the conversation targets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, accusing her of destroying Germany’s economy, eroding law and order, and betraying Europe’s national interests. Leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico are praised for resisting EU sanctions on Russia and prioritizing national interests.
A French MEP’s criticism of von der Leyen is highlighted as evidence of growing rebellion within Europe, depicting the EU as a collapsing institution comparable to the Titanic. The speaker predicts both the EU and NATO are nearing their end, with nationalist and populist leaders rising in countries like France, Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Finally, the conversation condemns Poland’s ban on Chinese rail transit as economically self-destructive and rejects the U.S. view that trade competition equals military threat. Trump’s trade and energy policies are also criticized as short-sighted, transactional, and damaging to long-term alliances. The overall message: Western arrogance and mismanagement are hastening the decline of the EU, NATO, and U.S. global influence.
Description:
Douglas Macgregor is a retired Colonel and former senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Col. Macgregor argues that the Tomahawks would be another step toward a direct war with Russia, Gaza is being destroyed, another war with Iran may be imminent, and the US is also preparing an invasion of Venezuela.
Description:
Secretary of State Rubio told the UN Security Council that the Ukraine war cannot be won militarily and must end through negotiation, though Trump has suggested a ceasefire at current battle lines. Claims about massive Russian losses are dismissed as propaganda, with the reality being heavy Ukrainian casualties and a stronger, disciplined Russian military preparing for wider war.
While Trump insists the U.S. won’t directly intervene, officials hint at authorizing Ukraine to strike deep into Russia, even with Tomahawk missiles—something that risks nuclear escalation. Critics argue Trump is influenced by poor advice and false narratives that Russia is losing, echoed by figures like Kellogg and Pompeo, which could push him toward reckless decisions.
There’s speculation Trump might want to prolong the war to tie down Russia and limit its ability to aid Iran, though this is seen as dangerous. His impulsive nature, including alleged talk of invading Venezuela, raises concern about reckless foreign policy. Overall, U.S. leaders are accused of overestimating their strength, underestimating Russia, and pursuing strategies that create more enemies while ignoring economic vulnerabilities, like the weakening dollar and fragile bond market.
Description:
Douglas Macgregor is a retired Colonel and former seior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Col. Macgregor argues that the decision has been made for another war with Iran. On the European front, Trump makes absurd and dangerous statements about the proxy war in Ukraine, while simultaneously pulling out. The Europeans are left with the responsibility for the losing war in Ukraine, and panic is setting in.
Description:
Doug argues that recent Western/Polish rhetoric and incidents (drones/debris, threats at the UN) are exaggerated, dangerous "hot air" that risk accidental escalation with Russia, while Europe is politically unstable and militarily unprepared to change the situation — and Russia, in the speaker’s view, is strategically stronger and unlikely to want full-scale war but is being provoked.
Description:
Col Doug argues the Russia–Ukraine war is qualitatively different and far more brutal than many modern European conflicts — closer to genocidal/extermination campaigns (compared to WWII-era mass deportations and Soviet-era atrocities) than the older model of changing rulers but leaving populations and cultures intact. The speakers warn this threatens whole populations and demands moral opposition and support for Ukraine.
Key points
Historical contrast: 18th-century examples (Peter the Great in the Baltics) where conquerors left local societies and elites largely intact — contrasted with the present conflict’s threats to population, identity, and survival.
The war is described as a “ruthless war of extermination” (mass deportation/killing) with parallels drawn to Soviet post-revolutionary violence and the US campaign against some Native American tribes.
Western response: Britain is sending modest air assets to NATO’s eastern flank (fighters and tankers) as part of a NATO air-defense mission; this is intended as a message of unity.
Drone incident: Discussion of an episode where 19 drones ended up in Poland — analysts suggest it may have been electronic-warfare diversion, error, or a false flag rather than an intended Russian attack.
Risk of escalation: Some European leaders (e.g., Poland’s former figures, calls for no-fly zones) are accused of trying to draw the U.S. into a larger war; but Article 5 requires collective deliberation, not an automatic trigger.
NATO cohesion and limits: Several European states (Hungary, Slovakia, possibly Romania) are reluctant to escalate; smaller states may hope a larger power will fight for them, which risks miscalculation.
Russian calculus: The speakers believe Russia does not want a wider war with NATO and is exercising restraint to avoid direct conflict with the U.S.
Political dimension: Domestic unrest and economic problems in some European countries constrain leaders’ willingness to escalate; speakers expect political change in Europe may be necessary to shift policy.
One-line takeaway
The excerpt frames the Ukraine war as unusually existential and brutal, warns that some European moves risk accidental escalation while noting both NATO’s measured response and Russia’s apparent reluctance to widen the war.
Description:
The discussion criticizes recent European and U.S. approaches to the Ukraine war, describing them as unrealistic and self-defeating. Colonel Doug McGregor argues that European leaders—Macron, Starmer, Tusk, von der Leyen—are “globalists” pursuing policies that worsen domestic crises while demanding a military victory in Ukraine that is impossible. He says Russia’s security concerns have been ignored, while Western governments escalate without prospects of success. Meanwhile, Europe faces economic insolvency and political instability.
Globally, McGregor notes a split into two blocs: the West (U.S. and Europe) becoming isolated, and the rest of the world (China, Russia, BRICS, Global South) building alternative financial and trade systems backed by commodities. He criticizes Washington for clinging to outdated hegemony and treating China’s Belt and Road as a threat rather than an opportunity.
Trump’s calls for Europe to stop buying Russian oil and to pressure China are dismissed as unrealistic. Zelensky continues to demand stronger sanctions on Russia and U.S. air cover for Ukraine, but McGregor views this as a prescription for escalation and potentially catastrophic war.
Description:
Douglas Macgregor is a retired Colonel and former advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Col. Magregor explains how the proxy war in Ukraine has been lost and NATO will subsequently begin to fall apart, which ends the post-Cold War international system.
Description:
Douglas Macgregor is a retired Colonel and former advisor to the Secretary of Defense. Col. Magregor explains how the Ukrainian army and society exhausted itself, and why NATO has also reached the end of the line.
Description: Political context before the Trump–Putin meeting
The meeting is days away, with European leaders preparing to press Trump toward a settlement with Putin that aligns with their interests.
They are also trying to get Zelensky involved or present at the talks, but Trump appears uninterested in accommodating that request.
While Washington and Brussels focus on diplomatic maneuvering, analysts argue the real drivers of the situation are unfolding on the battlefield.
Major breakthrough on the Eastern Front
In the past 48 hours, Russia has launched its largest advance in two years near Pokrovsk (also spelled Picrosk/Pokrovske area), north of that sector.
The Russian strategy remains focused on destroying Ukrainian forces, not holding land for its own sake.
Ukrainian troop numbers are critically low; battalions are being filled with underage recruits and older men.
Russia is recruiting about 35,000 new soldiers per month, with 150,000 currently in training.
The Russian advance has expanded rapidly—roughly 10 km per day—and already cut the Druzhkivka–Kramatorsk road, a major logistical artery.
This road is one of only a few paved connections in the region; losing it severely limits Ukrainian ability to move troops, supplies, or reinforce positions.
Why the breakthrough matters
If Russia pushes deeper, they could encircle Ukrainian forces in a “cauldron,” starving them of supplies and forcing surrender or destruction in place.
The area behind the current Ukrainian line includes major cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, as well as Ukraine’s last major defensive line in the east (marked on Ukrainian maps in yellow).
Previous defensive lines south of this area were undermanned, allowing Russia to bypass them quickly.
Ukrainian defensive situation
Ukraine’s high command has recognized the severity of the breach and deployed its final strategic reserve—an elite Air Assault (AOV) brigade.
However:
It’s only one brigade, not multiple brigades or divisions.
They will be arriving to an area with minimal or no prepared fortifications beyond the yellow line.
Once committed, Ukraine will have no remaining strategic reserve.
Russian commanders are likely aware of this deployment and may try to annihilate the brigade outright.
Analyst perspectives
Col. Douglas Macgregor and other military analysts believe Russia has effectively won the war militarily—the question now is only how far they push.
They see no evidence Russia timed this offensive for the summit; instead, it’s driven by battlefield opportunity and the approaching autumn rains, which will slow movement.
Comparisons to Ukraine’s surprise Kharkiv counteroffensive in 2022 are dismissed—back then Russia had few troops in the region and withdrew in good order; Ukraine today has no comparable reserves or equipment for such a reversal.
Russia has improved in countering Ukraine’s drone tactics, using jamming, intercepts, and striking operators’ positions.
Implications for the summit
Putin may present the battlefield reality to Trump as proof Ukraine’s position is untenable, potentially pushing for a settlement.
However, analysts doubt the meeting will alter Russia’s military plans.
Ukrainian analysts fear the current breach could trigger a broad collapse of the eastern front, with mass withdrawals across the Dnipro River if the “cauldron” scenario unfolds.
Description:
Col. Doug warns that U.S. leaders and military brass are dangerously cavalier about nuclear war, unlike Russia, which treats the threat seriously and is repositioning weapons in response to NATO actions.
He criticizes Washington’s lack of strategic-level thinking, citing the deployment of tactical nukes to the UK and inflammatory public statements by generals, which risk escalation. Historical arms control like the 1987 INF Treaty helped reduce nuclear tensions, maintain NATO unity, and signal mutual interest in avoiding war — but U.S. withdrawal in 2019 and current provocations reverse those gains.
NATO’s missile defenses are inadequate, infrastructure unprepared, and past military simulations consistently showed that direct war with Russia would almost certainly lead to uncontrollable nuclear exchange. He argues that current rhetoric and planning — including threats to Russian territory — are reckless, potentially deliberate, and show a lack of enlightened leadership, echoing James Madison’s warning that the state will not always be led by wise men.
Description:
Russia has formally withdrawn from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, citing U.S. actions since 2019 as the reason. The INF Treaty, signed in 1987, banned certain land-based missiles and was seen as a major Cold War arms control success. It collapsed in 2019 when the Trump administration withdrew, accusing Russia of violations.
Col. Doug Macgregor argues Russia’s claims have merit, saying the U.S. is deploying weapons in Eastern Europe that would have violated the treaty, prompting Russia to respond by positioning missiles closer to NATO borders. He warns that Washington seems to treat nuclear escalation as a political maneuver, unlike Russia, which takes the threat seriously.
Macgregor stresses that past arms control treaties reduced tensions and costs, but U.S. political and military leadership now lacks strategic caution. He notes that former President Medvedev’s recent warning—likely echoing but amplifying Putin’s private stance—signals that Moscow is not bluffing. Current tit-for-tat moves, like U.S. submarine deployments near Europe, risk accelerating a dangerous path toward nuclear confrontation.
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