Ukraine War Update NEWS: Geopolitical News
Table of Contents 📖
"If Mongolia doesn't arrest him, they should be sanctioned into the Stone Age."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:25⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics update, the third part of the September 2nd, 2024 news. He explains that he has been busy with US election coverage and hasn't had time to map recent developments, acknowledging the overwhelming amount of information.
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Turkey Applies to Join BRICS
🎦 00:25-03:50⏩
Jonathan discusses Turkey's formal request to join BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), a move that has sparked concern among Western allies.
- He highlights the growing influence of BRICS and the potential shift in global power dynamics over the next 50 years.
- He expresses concern over the implications of a potential future dominated by autocratic nations like Russia and China.
- Jonathan analyses Turkey's strategic geographical importance and its current economic struggles under Erdogan's leadership.
- He argues that Turkey's frustration with the EU accession process is partially self-inflicted due to its internal policies on issues like freedom of the press and democratic institutions.
Putin's Visit to Mongolia: A Sign of Desperation?
🎦 03:50-08:05⏩
Jonathan analyses Putin's visit to Mongolia, a signatory to the Rome Statute, which technically should have led to his arrest due to the International Criminal Court warrant.
- He questions the strategic rationale behind choosing Mongolia and speculates that Putin's visit might be an attempt to salvage a cancelled pipeline deal crucial for Russia's struggling economy.
- Jonathan raises concerns about Mongolia's decision not to arrest Putin and the potential consequences they might face, emphasizing the country's possible pro-Western stance.
- He cites a viewer comment, attributing it to "Jay in Kyiv," which suggests that Mongolia should face severe sanctions if they fail to arrest Putin.
Russia and China Resort to Gold Payments
🎦 08:05-09:26⏩
Jonathan reports, citing Reuters, that Russia and China have resorted to using gold for payments due to challenges in banking transactions caused by US sanctions.
- He outlines the new arrangement where gold is purchased in Russia, transported to Hong Kong for sale, and the proceeds are deposited in local bank accounts to facilitate trade.
- He highlights the effectiveness of US secondary sanctions in deterring Chinese banks from dealing with Russia.
- He sarcastically remarks, "Welcome back to the 19th century," quoting a Twitter user with the handle "Dead District."
Russia's Growing Influence in Africa
🎦 09:26-10:53⏩
Jonathan discusses Russia's growing influence in Africa, particularly concerning the appointment of a high-ranking Kremlin official as ambassador to Kenya.
- He points out the strategic significance of Kenya as a key US ally in the region and expresses concern that the country might be targeted by Russian influence operations.
- Jonathan draws parallels with Russia's successful destabilisation efforts in the Sahel region, where it has backed a series of coups in recent years.
- He underscores the geopolitical importance of Africa and the need for the West to counter Russia's growing presence, highlighting South Africa's membership in BRICS as a point of concern.
EU Gas Imports: Russia Still a Major Supplier
🎦 10:53-11:58⏩
Jonathan reveals that despite efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas, EU imports from Russia have exceeded those from the US, according to data from the Brussels consulting company Bruegel.
- He notes the US's role in providing liquefied natural gas to Europe but acknowledges the continued dependence on Russian supplies.
- He mentions Slovakia, Hungary, and Serbia (though not an EU member) as countries still actively seeking gas from Russia.
Dutch Prime Minister Visits Ukraine, Announces Aid Package
🎦 11:58-13:20⏩
Jonathan reports on the new Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schoof's unannounced visit to Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.
- He commends Schoof as a seemingly good choice for Prime Minister, highlighting his background in the military and intelligence.
- He details Schoof's visit to a bunker school in Zaporizhzhia with President Zelensky, where a new support package of over 200 million euros was announced, focusing on energy infrastructure.
- Jonathan emphasises Zelensky's gratitude for the aid, which aims to support normal life in Ukraine and encourage the return of Ukrainian refugees from abroad.
Hungarian Citizen Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Military Equipment to Russia
🎦 13:20-13:35⏩
Jonathan reports on the arrest of Bence Horvath, a Hungarian citizen residing in Spain, by US officials in San Francisco.
- Horvath is suspected of attempting to export military-grade communications equipment to Russia.
- Jonathan succinctly expresses his lack of sympathy, stating, "Good news, good riddance."
Poland Considers Shooting Down Russian Aerial Threats
🎦 13:35-14:13⏩
Jonathan discusses a recent poll showing that 58.5% of Poles support shooting down Russian aerial objects violating Polish airspace, aligning with comments made by former Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.
- Sikorski, in an interview with the Financial Times, advocated for Poland's right to shoot down Russian aerial threats, even those encroaching on Ukrainian airspace.
- Jonathan finds this stance justifiable, given the majority public opinion in Poland.
Finland Proposes Ban on Russian Real Estate Purchases
🎦 14:13-14:39⏩
Jonathan reports, citing Reuters, that the Finnish government has proposed a ban on most Russian citizens buying real estate in Finland, citing national security concerns. He expresses his support for this measure, highlighting Finland's steadfast support for Ukraine.
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Suspected Russian Sabotage in Sweden and Across Europe
🎦 14:39-16:07⏩
Jonathan discusses a recent act of sabotage in Sweden, where four mine drilling machines were targeted in Kiruna, prompting an investigation by the Swedish security police (SAPO).
- He connects this incident to a pattern of suspected Russian sabotage across Europe, including:
- A warehouse fire in London targeting Ukrainian-owned assets.
- An explosion at a BAE Systems factory in Wales.
- Fires at the Rheinmetall defence company in Germany.
- Possible sabotage of rail networks in Germany and France.
- Fires at factories in Bulgaria.
- Cable cutting and symbolic vandalism in France.
- Jonathan expresses concern over the growing threat of Russian sabotage, questioning European preparedness for these actions and highlighting the range of tactics employed by Russia.
Telegram Under Investigation in South Korea for Deepfake Crimes
🎦 16:07-18:02⏩
Jonathan reports that Telegram is facing a criminal investigation in South Korea for allegedly aiding and abetting the distribution of pornographic deepfake images.
- He highlights the accusation that Telegram has ignored requests from South Korean authorities investigating these criminal acts.
- He compares this situation to the recent arrest of Telegram's founder in France and the platform's controversial stance on content moderation.
- He points out the hypocrisy of Elon Musk's criticism of Brazil's actions against Twitter (now X) for failing to comply with content regulations, while remaining silent about similar situations involving Russia and China.
UN Criticised for Silence on Russian Missile Attacks in Ukraine
🎦 18:02-19:25⏩
Jonathan criticises the UN for its silence on recent Russian missile attacks in Ukraine. He reads a tweet from a Ukrainian supporter who compares the UN to a "sleepy and eternal meeting of the Communist Party of the USSR." Jonathan expresses concern over the UN's perceived ineffectiveness in addressing serious global issues and its failure to uphold its resolutions.
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Russia Adjusts Nuclear Weapon Use Protocols
🎦 19:25-21:20⏩
Jonathan expresses alarm over Russia's announcement of adjusting its nuclear weapon use protocols in response to increased Western support for Ukraine, citing a CNN report by Jim Sciutto.
- He cites Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who told the state-run news agency TASS that the revisions are in advanced stages and aim to address perceived threats to Russia's existence.
- He quotes George Barros from the Institute for the Study of War, who suggests that Russia's timing is a deliberate attempt to influence US policy and deter further military aid to Ukraine.
- Jonathan interprets this move as part of an ongoing escalation and de-escalation strategy employed by Russia.
Far-Right AfD Gains Ground in Eastern German Elections
🎦 21:20-26:08⏩
Jonathan discusses the concerning rise of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in recent state elections in eastern Germany.
- He attributes the AfD's success to persistent nationalist and anti-immigration sentiments in former East German states, noting that these views are also present but less pronounced in other parts of Germany.
- He expresses concern over the AfD's strong performance, garnering over 30% of the vote in Thuringia and Saxony, interpreting it as a worrying trend for Germany and Europe.
- He ridicules The Economist's headline describing the situation as "uncharted territory," arguing that Germany's history makes this a familiar and alarming development.
- He highlights concerns from politicians like Wolfgang Kubicki, who blames the current German government for the AfD's rise, and Valérie Hayer, who calls it a "dark day for Germany and Europe."
- He analyses the emergence of another populist party, the left-wing conservative populist "Saravaganecht Alliance" (BSW), which also secured significant votes.
- He expresses particular concern over the shared anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia stance of both the AfD and BSW, demonstrating a concerning level of support for Putin's agenda within Germany.
- Jonathan concludes by highlighting the worrying connection between anti-immigration sentiments and pro-Russian positioning, suggesting that the Kremlin is exploiting this issue to further its interests.
Wrap up
🎦 26:08-26:39⏩
Jonathan thanks his viewers for their support, encourages them to share their thoughts in the comments, and signs off.
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