Russia Hypersonic Dominance. Zelensky Blames Trump For Defeat

Summary

The presenters question claims that the United States has cut off intelligence sharing with Ukraine or significantly restricted Starlink or Starshield. They argue that Ukraine’s continued drone and missile strikes inside Russia suggest it still has access to targeting support. They also note that Ukraine’s claims of destroying six Russian Su-34 aircraft have not been independently confirmed; the cited satellite image shows only a burn mark on a runway.

They suggest that President Zelensky may be publicizing the alleged restrictions to build support in the United States and Europe, criticize Donald Trump, and encourage a more pro-Ukraine Congress. In their view, the claims also obscure a more serious problem: Ukraine may be unable to detect or intercept Russian Zircon hypersonic missiles. They speculate that the missiles’ speed, possible launch locations, and limitations in radar or satellite tracking could explain why air-raid alerts were absent during strikes. They present this as a theory, not a confirmed explanation.

The discussion disputes the idea that Trump has ended U.S. military support, asserting that previously approved arms shipments continue and that Ukraine still receives substantial Western assistance. The presenters emphasize, however, that Ukraine would be severely weakened without U.S. intelligence and other support.

They then consider the FP-9, a reported Ukrainian long-range ballistic missile, and the possibility that it could be used to strike deep inside Russia. They argue that such attacks would require U.S. targeting assistance and would cross a major Russian red line, comparable to supplying Tomahawk missiles. They speculate—without evidence presented in the subtitles—that Putin and Trump may have discussed limiting Starlink or missile use in connection with a possible diesel-fuel arrangement.

If Ukraine strikes Moscow or other Russian cities with long-range missiles, the presenters predict Russia could strengthen air defenses, expand support for Iran, or intensify attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and Kyiv. They also warn that Russia could view Western assistance as direct involvement, regardless of how the operation is presented publicly. In their assessment, the military impact of a limited missile attack might be modest, but the symbolic effect would be significant and could encourage further escalation and lower the threshold for nuclear confrontation.

Presenters: Alexander Mercouris and Alex Christoforou.