Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"Personally, I think it's already been a game changer, but we haven't noticed it because it's an opportunity cost."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:57⏩
Jonathan starts the video with a welcome to the team and mentions a newspaper article about the benefits of drinking tea and coffee in reducing the risk of head and neck cancer, but also mentions a caveat about increased risk of laryngeal cancer with excessive tea consumption. He's drinking a cup of tea from his A-Tippling Philosopher mug.
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£1.1bn IMF financial aid for Ukraine
🎦 00:58-01:59⏩
Ukraine has received $1.1 billion (USD) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support critical budget expenditures, according to Denys Shmyhal. Jonathan expresses confusion about the complex web of international financial aid and the potential strings attached.
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Poland donates three helicopters to Ukraine
🎦 01:59-02:33⏩
Poland has donated three helicopters to Ukraine: two Mi-8s and a Bell 412HP. These helicopters will be used for pilot training at the High Key University of Internal Affairs.
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US M1A1 Abrams tanks in service with Ukraine
🎦 02:33-06:22⏩
The US has supplied M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) to Ukraine, which are now in service with the 47th Mechanized Brigade. These tanks were originally promised to be M1A2 variants, but due to manufacturing delays, older M1A1s were pulled from US Army stocks and refurbished for quicker delivery. The M1A1s were modified to remove classified US armour before being sent to Ukraine. Jonathan discusses the timeline of the Abrams tank deliveries and clarifies that the 49 M1A1 tanks that Australia is transferring to Ukraine are the same age as those already received from the US, not older. Of the 31 M1A1 tanks supplied by the US, approximately 14 have been destroyed, damaged or abandoned.
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Germany provides additional military aid to Ukraine
🎦 06:22-09:11⏩
Germany has delivered a substantial amount of military aid to Ukraine in the past five weeks. This includes RST SLM medium-range launchers, RST SLS short-range launchers, Patriot launchers, Cheetah self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (Dutch variant of the Gepard), various drones, a Panzer Howitzer 2000, Leopard 1A5 tanks, MRAPs, trucks, border protection vehicles, Caracal air assault vehicles, anti-tank mines, TRML-4D air surveillance radars, rifles, machine guns, sniper rifles, tents, emergency power generators, helicopter self-protection systems, medical supplies, and underwater scooters. Germany has also pledged additional aid, including more Patriot launchers, Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles, and kinetic defence vehicles.
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Ukraine signs contract for artillery ammunition supply
🎦 09:11-09:45⏩
Ukraine has signed its first-ever direct contract with Rymatow for the supply of artillery ammunition. This contract, funded by the Ukrainian state budget, will be executed in the first half of 2025.
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New PD-2 reconnaissance drone in service with Ukraine
🎦 09:45-10:47⏩
A new PD-2 reconnaissance drone is now in service with the Ukrainian 426th Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion. This drone boasts resistance to electronic warfare, a range of up to 170 kilometres, and an endurance of 10 hours. It is used to spot targets for Ukrainian strikes.
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NATO chief defends German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
🎦 10:47-11:42⏩
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has defended German Chancellor Olaf Scholz against criticism from Ukrainian President Zelensky, stating that Scholz's contributions to Ukraine are commendable. Rutte highlighted that Germany ranks second only to the US in military support for Ukraine. Jonathan agrees with Rutte's assessment, acknowledging Germany's significant contributions and advocating for a realistic perspective on the situation.
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Concerns over potential impact of German AFD party on aid to Ukraine
🎦 11:42-14:01⏩
Jonathan expresses concern about the upcoming elections in Germany and the potential impact of the Alternative for Germany (AFD) party on continued aid to Ukraine. He worries that the AFD, which is currently polling around 19%, could hinder Germany's support for Ukraine if they gain significant influence in the Bundestag. Jonathan is uncertain how much the AFD could disrupt aid even if they secure 20% of the vote, but he believes that the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) would continue to strongly support Ukraine if they come to power. Jonathan poses a question to German viewers: how difficult will it be for Germany to continue aiding Ukraine if the AFD is strongly opposed to it?
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Ukrainian legion in Poland growing slowly
🎦 14:01-15:56⏩
The Ukrainian Legion in Poland, a unit composed of Ukrainian diaspora citizens, is slowly growing. According to Vasyl Bodnar, the Ukrainian ambassador to Poland, over a thousand applications have been submitted, but this number is lower than initially expected. The initiative, announced in July 2024, aimed to create a full-fledged brigade, but the current number of applicants falls short of that goal. The first Ukrainian unit was established in November 2024, and the creation of the next unit is scheduled for January 2025.
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North Korea ramps up weapons deliveries to Russia
🎦 15:56-16:45⏩
North Korea is significantly increasing its weapons deliveries to Russia. Thousands of containers filled with ammunition (including 122mm and 152mm shells), missiles, and advanced weapons like 170mm Coxan howitzers and 240mm multiple launch rocket systems have been shipped by rail and sea.
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North Korea's military support is a potential game-changer for Russia
🎦 16:45-18:16⏩
Jonathan argues that North Korea's substantial military aid to Russia could be a game-changer in the war, potentially prolonging Russia's ability to fight. He believes that North Korea's role has been underplayed and that their support has allowed Russia to operate at a higher level than they would have otherwise. Jonathan asserts that the West needs to react to North Korea's actions on a similar scale. He emphasizes that North Korea is helping Russia prolong the war in a significant manner.
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North Korea may send additional troops and equipment to Russia
🎦 18:16-18:38⏩
Intelligence suggests that North Korea is preparing to send additional troops and military equipment to Russia, potentially including suicide drones. This follows reports that North Korea has already sent thousands of troops to fight for Russia in the war.
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60% of artillery and mortar shells used by Russia now come from North Korea
🎦 18:38-22:53⏩
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian Centre for Countering Disinformation, states that 60% of the artillery and mortar shells used by Russia in Ukraine now come from North Korea. Jonathan emphasizes that this makes North Korea's support a game-changer, as Russia would be operating at a much lower capacity without it. He reiterates that North Korea's aid has allowed Russia to operate at a higher level, and this hasn't been fully recognized. About 200 munitions factories in North Korea are reportedly operating at full capacity, and Russia is sending fuel and equipment to support Pyongyang's weapons production. Jonathan expresses concern that South Korea may be more focused on the threat North Korea poses to them directly, rather than the impact of North Korean aid to Russia. He hopes to see South Korea increase its assistance to Ukraine.
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Wrap up
🎦 22:53-25:08⏩
Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and mentions an upcoming stream with Claire from "Car for Ukraine." He highlights the work of "Car for Ukraine" and shares that one of the vehicles funded by the ATP Geopolitics community has already been sent to Ukraine. He expresses his pride in the community's efforts and shows images of the vehicle in its full glory, complete with stickers. Jonathan closes by thanking viewers for their support.
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