Daniel Davis Deep Dive Alexander Mercouris from The Duran - The Latest on Ukraine Russia War and IRAN
Feb 23, 2026
Alexander Mercouris, political commentator and co-host of The Duran, known for sharp geopolitical analysis. He breaks down shifting military and economic balances in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He weighs Ukraine’s chances, NATO risks, and missed negotiation windows. He questions claims about an imminent Iranian nuclear threat and explores how strikes or escalation could reshape regional alliances.
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Sanctions Failed And War Became A Test Of Wills
- The West misread 2022 as a quick victory moment and relied on sanctions to topple Russia, but sanctions failed to collapse the Russian economy.
- Alexander Mercouris says Russia shifted to diplomacy after limited military aims, while the West committed to a long war hoping attrition would exhaust Russia.
Ukraine Cannot Outlast Russia With Current Strategy
- Ukraine lacks a viable strategy to reverse Russian momentum because it cannot exhaust Russia before being exhausted itself.
- Mercouris highlights Russia's economic growth and that Russia has not deployed full national strength, giving it superior staying power.
Russia Sees Zelensky As Barrier To Peace
- Russia views Zelensky's continued presidency as incompatible with any long-term peace and signals he must go, either into exile or face violent removal.
- Mercouris interprets Medvedev's Hitler/Mussolini comparisons as warning that Russia won't accept Zelensky long-term.