Source: Daniel Davis youtube
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.
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