Dave Talks Politics – Show Notes – February 24–25, 2026

Welcome back, team! In this episode of Dave Talks Politics, hi, I’m Dave, and I’ll be talking politics. Today, team, let’s talk about:

* Stunning & Brave: Russia must concede first in talks Quote: “The pressure in the peace talks seems to be falling on Ukraine. But if we want this war to stop and any peace to last, we need to see concessions from Russia.” – Stunning & Brave, Kyiv visit Feb 24, 2026

* Joint Kyiv trip with von der Leyen for 4th war anniversary (Feb 24, 2022 invasion start)

* EU pushing €90bn loan package but blocked by Hungary/Slovakia over Druzhba pipeline

* Stunning & Brave repeated “existential threat” line on Russia since becoming High Rep late 2024

* Minsk agreements (2014–15) ignored by West; NATO expansion continued despite Russian objections

* EU Foreign Affairs Council Feb 24 exchanged views on aggression after Ukraine FM VTC update

* Stunning & Brave has called for defeating Russia on Ukrainian soil multiple times (MSC 2025–2026)

* Speculation: She’ll push higher defense spending targets at next Council to keep pressure on Russia

* Impact on Ukraine: Sustains weapons flow but delays compromise; more grid strain expected

* Impact on EU: Eastern members support; western taxpayers face rising costs Take: Stunning & Brave says pressure only on Russia. Minsk forgotten, NATO promises ignored. Same old narrative.

* Two-Tier Kier: Britain with Ukraine “as long as it takes” Quote: “Four years on from Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion of Ukraine, our message to the Ukrainian people is simple: Britain is with you... we will support Ukraine for as long as it takes for a just and lasting peace.” – Two-Tier Kier, Feb 24 X post

* Posted with photo on anniversary; UK pledged £3bn annual aid through 2030

* Operation Interflex training ~30,000 Ukrainian troops in UK since 2022

* Starmer reset China trade Jan 2026 (tariff cuts, visas) despite “threats” rhetoric

* Public fatigue high in UK; energy bills spiked after Russian gas cut

* Speculation: “As long as it takes” = open-ended commitment; domestic polls show war weariness

* Impact on UK: Higher costs for taxpayers; political risk for Two-Tier Kier

* Impact on Ukraine: False hope of endless support; harder to negotiate Take: Two-Tier Kier clear-eyed on threats — clear-eyed on Chinese cash too. Security non-negotiable unless cheaper exports.

* Small Hands raises tariffs to 15% global Statement: Raised global tariff from 10% to 15% post-SCOTUS ruling (Truth Social/White House Feb 23)

* SCOTUS 6-3 Feb 20–21 ruled IEEPA can’t authorize broad tariffs

* Using Section 122 Trade Act 1974 (150-day temp authority) for time to draft new rules

* Hits all imports; Canada/Mexico/EU allies affected despite status

* Businesses expect no quick price drops; plan to offset costs or chase refunds

* Yale Budget Lab: effective tariff rate now ~13.7% after rise

* Speculation: EU/China retaliate targeted tariffs in weeks; trade war escalates

* Impact on US: Short revenue boost but higher consumer prices, supply chaos

* Impact on global: Speeds decoupling; multipolar alliances grow Take: 10%? Nah. 15%. Maybe 500% tomorrow. Small Hands mood swing policy. Chief Neocon Lindsay Graham style.

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