Daniel Davis Deep Dive More Bombs, More Talks Zelensky Rejects Trump's Plan /Glenn Diesen & Lt Col Daniel Davis
Jan 26, 2026
Glenn Diesen, a political science professor who analyzes Russia and European security, returns with sharp geopolitical perspective. He breaks down Ukraine's strategic weaknesses and what Russia might accept on borders. He discusses risks of US bilateral guarantees, repeating diplomatic cycles, Europe's role in prolonging the war, and the wider transatlantic fractures shaping future negotiations.
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Bilateral Guarantees Could Entrench Conflict
- A U.S.-Ukraine bilateral security guarantee would complicate trilateral negotiations and lock positions.
- Diesen says U.S. commitments risk further entrenching the conflict as a proxy war between NATO and Russia.
Zelensky's 'No Concessions' Position
- Zelensky's public refusal to cede territory clashes with Russian demands and makes compromise unlikely.
- Diesen calls Kyiv's stance theatrics and warns it may be politically suicidal while Ukraine is losing territory.
Russia May Retain Flexibility On Some Regions
- Russia may keep Donbass non-negotiable but leave room to trade or redraw borders in Kherson and Zaporizhia.
- Diesen notes historical Russian willingness to make territorial trades when pragmatic.