Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News

"I don't know who is paying for these [F-16s] or whether they are donating them. Donating or selling, there is quite a big difference, morally speaking."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:27⏩

Jonathan introduces the video, which is a second part of the Ukraine War News update for 17th July 2024. He apologises for any confusion as this might be the first video viewers see due to technical difficulties with the first part of the video being restricted by YouTube.

Return to top⤴️

Japanese loan to Ukraine

🎦 00:27-01:05⏩

Japan is arranging to provide Ukraine with $3.3 billion in loans as part of support from the G7. The funds will be sourced from interest accrued on frozen Russian sovereign assets. Jonathan is unsure of the exact details of how the loan will be funded or repaid.

Return to top⤴️

EBRD funding for Ukraine

🎦 01:05-01:33⏩

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide Ukraine with 200 million euros. The funds will be used to support the construction of strategic gas reserves in Ukraine and to strengthen energy security, which is essential for economic security and well-being, especially as winter approaches.

Return to top⤴️

Czech-Ukrainian ammunition factory agreement

🎦 01:33-02:11⏩

Ukraine has signed an agreement with Czechia to build an ammunition factory and produce Czech assault rifles. The agreement was signed by Selye and Belorod and Ukrobron service, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmihal. Jonathan expects further details to emerge regarding the agreement.

Return to top⤴️

Belgium's contribution to Ukraine's recovery

🎦 02:11-02:31⏩

Belgium and Ukraine have signed an agreement on cooperation for Ukraine's recovery. The agreement includes investments of 150 million euros over four years, focusing on rebuilding critical infrastructure and reconstructing underground shelters for schools in the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions.

Return to top⤴️

Lithuanian energy equipment aid to Ukraine

🎦 02:31-03:06⏩

Lithuania will provide Ukraine with energy equipment worth nearly 55 million dollars. Lithuanian companies will supply the equipment, highlighting the importance of energy security for Ukraine, especially with their energy infrastructure having been significantly damaged by Russian attacks.

Return to top⤴️

Ukraine's use of expired ammunition

🎦 03:06-03:44⏩

The Ukrainian Defence Ministry has returned to Ukrainian soldiers a significant amount of ammunition that was slated to be disposed of before the start of the war in 2014. The ammunition is 10 years old and had been rendered unusable due to its age. Jonathan is unsure whether the ammunition will be used directly on the front lines or refurbished first.

Return to top⤴️

Greece's potential F-16 transfer to Ukraine

🎦 03:44-06:57⏩

Greece is about to decommission 32 older F-16 Block 30 fighter jets and purchase up to 40 F-35 multi-role jets from the USA. Reports suggest that Greece prefers to sell the decommissioned F-16s to the US for upgrade and subsequent transfer to the Ukrainian Air Force. Jonathan raises concerns about the ethical implications of potentially selling or donating the jets to Ukraine, as opposed to providing them as direct aid. He also notes that Greece's decision might be linked to a near miss incident in March 2024 when a Russian missile struck near Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Odessa. This incident, according to a professor of international relations, was a deliberate message from Russia to Greece and its pro-Russian population, which has led to a shift in public opinion in Greece against Russia and increased support for Ukraine.

Return to top⤴️

Russia's bounty for destroyed F-16s

🎦 07:05-08:03⏩

Russian forces are offering a bounty of 15 million rubles (about 150,000 dollars) for the destruction of the first F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine. This is reminiscent of the bounty offered last year for the destruction of Leopard and Abrams tanks, though it is unclear whether any such bounties have been paid out.

Return to top⤴️

German military aid reduction to Ukraine in 2025?

🎦 08:02-10:58⏩

Reuters has reported that Germany intends to significantly reduce military aid to Ukraine in 2025, allocating 4 billion euros compared to the 8 billion provided in 2024. However, Jonathan cautions against overreacting to the news, pointing out that this is similar to previous years where initial budgets were later increased. He cites German media reports and comments from German experts who suggest that the final amount will likely be much higher than the initial 4 billion euros. He highlights the fact that previous years' budgets were significantly increased, and negotiations are typically ongoing.

Return to top⤴️

German funding for Ahmetet Children's Hospital in Kyiv

🎦 11:17-11:47⏩

Germany has allocated 10 million euros to restore the Ahmetet Children's Hospital in Kyiv, which was recently damaged by a KH-101 missile. The funds will be combined with donations from other countries to expedite the hospital's recovery and prepare it for winter operations.

Return to top⤴️

Russian deployment of T-54 tanks

🎦 11:47-12:28⏩

A Russian train loaded with T-54 tanks has been spotted at Uzanovo station in the Moscow region. These tanks are very old, suggesting that Russia might be facing difficulties in producing or refurbishing enough modern tanks like T-90s, T-80s, and T-72s.

Return to top⤴️

Wrap up

🎦 12:28-12:33⏩

Jonathan concludes the video by thanking viewers and wishing them well.

Return to top⤴️