From: allin
Ukraine’s Counter-Invasion into Russia
According to David Sacks, the current fighting is concentrated in the Donbas region and along a 1,200-kilometer front within Ukraine [01:34:17]. Russia possesses superior numbers in soldiers, artillery, and air power, leading to significant Ukrainian casualties, estimated between 30,000 and 60,000 per month, which Sacks describes as unsustainable [01:34:27].
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s strategy included a “Hail Mary” attack on an undefended part of Russia, specifically Kursk, utilizing some of Ukraine’s best forces [01:34:45]. While this action gained a few hundred miles of undefended territory, Sacks views it as strategically unimportant [01:34:55]. He suggests that Russian air power is causing significant casualties among these forces, which are now disoriented and seeking defensive positions [01:35:02]. Sacks interprets this move as a public relations offensive rather than a strategic game-changer, predicting that Ukraine’s position is unsustainable and will eventually collapse [01:35:21].
Nord Stream Pipeline Incident
The discussion also touched upon the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline, with ongoing skepticism about the official explanations [01:36:14].
David Sacks finds previous explanations, such as Russia destroying its own pipeline or a single individual acting from a yacht, to be implausible given the pipeline’s robust structure and the expertise required for underwater demolition [01:36:27]. He notes that the story about a small rented yacht with a six-member crew, including trained civilian divers, having executed the operation, costing around $300,000, has been circulating for several months [01:37:02]. Sacks remains skeptical that this was within Ukraine’s capabilities [01:37:50].
He points to statements made by U.S. officials, including President Biden’s pledge to “bring an end to the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline” if Russia invaded Ukraine, and Victoria Nuland’s warning that Nord Stream 2 would not move forward [01:38:52]. These statements, coupled with the U.S.’s known capabilities, lead Sacks to believe that the U.S. was involved [01:39:13].
In contrast, Jason Calacanis cites facts about the depth of the pipeline (260 feet), suggesting that such a dive is “easily accomplished” with minimal training [01:39:27]. He argues that given Ukraine’s defense against Russia, it is “ridiculous” to suggest they couldn’t execute such a task [01:40:01].
U.S. Involvement and Foreign Policy
The discussion also touches on the broader context of U.S. foreign policy regarding the conflict.
David Sacks asserts that he would prefer to see America “stay out of other people’s wars” and pursue peace deals, rather than taking sides [01:42:14]. Jason Calacanis, however, expresses a preference for “democracies beating autocracies” [01:42:36].