Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"They are definitely trying to produce as many different things as possible at the moment. The Ukrainians, some of it looks pretty cool, like that, for example."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:20⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to part B of his Ukraine War Update for 23rd October 2024, focusing on military aid news. He explains that he's playing catch-up after missing some aid announcements yesterday.
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G7 Military Aid Package
🎦 00:20-06:42⏩
- The UK is pledging £2.26 billion ($2.93 billion) in loans to Ukraine, underwritten by frozen Russian assets. This is part of a larger $50 billion loan program from the G7, aimed at supporting Ukraine's military efforts.
- The EU is expected to contribute €35 billion in loans, also secured by frozen Russian assets.
- The US is expected to contribute $20 billion, making it the largest single contributor to the loan program.
- These loans are specifically intended for military purposes, enabling Ukraine to purchase weapons and equipment.
- Concerns were raised by the IMF about the potential economic implications of confiscating Russian assets, but these concerns have been addressed.
- The UK is also donating an additional £120 million to establish a maritime capability coalition for Ukraine, focusing on drones, uncrewed boats, and surveillance radars.
UK Pilot Training Update
🎦 07:16-07:59⏩
- Another cohort of Ukrainian pilots has graduated from basic air training in the UK.
- They have been undergoing propeller training and meteorological instruction before moving on to jet training in France.
- Following their training in France, the pilots will likely progress to flying Mirage or F-16 fighter jets.
- The Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, Valery Zalushny, was present at the graduation ceremony.
EU and IMF Financial Aid
🎦 07:59-09:04⏩
- In addition to the €35 billion loan program, the EU is also planning to provide around €18 billion in international loans to Ukraine, funded by frozen Russian assets.
- The IMF has transferred approximately $1.1 billion to Ukraine to support essential non-military budget expenses.
South Korea, North Korea and Potential Escalation
🎦 09:10-11:53⏩
- There is potential for South Korea to become more actively involved in supporting Ukraine militarily, particularly in response to North Korea sending troops to Russia.
- Newsweek has reported that South Korea may send military and intelligence personnel to Ukraine. Their potential roles could include interrogating captured North Korean soldiers and providing tactical and operational insights.
- South Korea has expressed its commitment to taking phased measures if North Korea continues its military cooperation with Russia.
- A senior South Korean presidential official has indicated the possibility of sending weapons to Ukraine for both defensive and offensive purposes.
- The Pentagon has officially acknowledged the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, but their specific activities remain unknown.
- Jonathan believes that the US is strategically downplaying the significance of North Korean involvement, hoping to avoid escalating the situation.
France Discusses Post-War Security Guarantees for Ukraine
🎦 11:53-12:28⏩
- France has initiated discussions about the possibility of deploying non-nuclear deterrent forces in Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached.
- French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu highlighted the importance of addressing this issue to ensure the sustainability of any ceasefire or peace treaty and to deter future aggression from Russia.
- This proposal aligns with Ukrainian President Zelensky's "Victory Plan," which outlines steps for a post-war security arrangement, including Ukraine's potential NATO membership.
France to Deliver Mirage 2000 Jets to Ukraine in 2025
🎦 12:28-15:52⏩
- France will begin delivering Mirage 2000-5s fighter jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025.
- The initial batch will consist of three aircraft, with more to follow later.
- These aircraft will be armed with Mica air-to-air missiles, A2SM guided glide bombs, Hammer guided glide bombs, and Scalp cruise missiles.
- Jonathan notes that while the Mica missiles are not the most advanced air-to-air missiles available, they will still provide Ukraine with valuable air combat capabilities.
- The deployment of these Mirages will bolster Ukraine's air power as the operational lifespan of their existing Soviet-era aircraft dwindles.
France Raises Concerns over Avionics Components in Russian Sukhoi-30s
🎦 15:52-18:12⏩
- France has requested that India tighten its export restrictions on avionics components used in Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, a type operated by Russia.
- This follows reports that a company in Kazakhstan has been servicing and repairing Russian Sukhoi-30SMs using French-made technology, potentially sourced from India.
- While acknowledging the need for improved due diligence, Jonathan expresses reluctance to place blame on individual companies whose components might inadvertently end up in Russian or North Korean military equipment.
- He highlights the challenges of tracking the flow of components through multiple intermediaries in the global supply chain.
- Instead, Jonathan suggests that banks facilitating financial transactions related to sanctioned items should bear greater responsibility.
- He cites the effectiveness of secondary sanctions targeting banks in countries like India and China, which have led to a decrease in transactions that could benefit Russia's military capabilities.
Ukraine-Turkey Relations
🎦 18:12-20:30⏩
- Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, recently met with Turkish President Erdogan. During the meeting, Kuleba expressed gratitude for Turkey's ongoing support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, which includes Crimea.
- Jonathan highlights the significance of Erdogan's consistent stance on Ukraine's territorial integrity, emphasizing that this support is rooted in both principle and Turkey's historical and cultural ties to Crimea, particularly the Crimean Tatar population.
- Turkey has halted the supply of US-made military-related goods to Russia following warnings from Washington about potential repercussions.
- The ban encompasses over 40 items, including electronics, machine tools, and equipment used in weapons manufacturing.
- Jonathan believes that this move, while positive, likely stems from US pressure rather than genuine Turkish willingness to curb Russia's military capabilities.
Update on Ukraine's Domestic Missile Production
🎦 20:30-23:01⏩
- Ukrainian MP Yehor Cherniev has indicated that the results of tests conducted on Ukraine's domestically produced ballistic missiles will be revealed soon.
- He mentioned ongoing progress in developing operational tactical missile systems such as the Hrim missile ("Thunder"), despite challenges in sourcing components for rockets like the Vilka.
- Both the Vilka, an older model, and the Hrim, currently under development, have reportedly been deployed in various forms during the conflict.
- Jonathan sees the development of domestic ballistic missiles as a significant advantage for Ukraine, potentially circumventing restrictions imposed on the use of longer-range weapons like Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles, which are prohibited from striking targets within Russia.
- He speculates that the recently announced $800 million aid package from the US, ostensibly designated for supporting Ukraine's long-range drone capabilities, might also encompass funding for missile development.
- Jonathan posits that framing the aid as drone-related provides the US with a degree of plausible deniability, shielding them from accusations of directly enabling Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory.
- He draws parallels with past instances where the US has employed strategic ambiguity in publicly disclosing military aid to Ukraine, such as with cluster munitions.
New Ukrainian-Made Military Vehicle
🎦 23:01-23:22⏩
- The Ukrainian-made "Varan" buggy has received approval from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. This versatile vehicle boasts a 500-kilogram cargo capacity and can tow a 300-kilogram trailer. With a range of 200 kilometres on challenging terrain, it highlights Ukraine's ongoing efforts to enhance its military logistics and mobility.
- Jonathan commends Ukraine's resourcefulness in producing effective military hardware domestically.
Increase in Foreign Investment in Ukraine Despite Ongoing War
🎦 23:22-24:11⏩
- Despite the ongoing conflict and the impact of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, Ukraine has experienced an increase in foreign investment in 2024.
- In the first nine months of 2024, there were 10 inbound investment deals worth an estimated $473 million, compared to 13 deals totalling $278 million in 2023.
- Jonathan views this as a positive indicator of international confidence in Ukraine's long-term economic prospects and its ability to rebuild.
Norway Supplies Medical Buses to Ukraine
🎦 24:11-25:53⏩
- Norway has provided Ukraine with specialized medical buses equipped to transport wounded soldiers and civilians.
- Each bus can accommodate up to three critically injured patients, four patients in a lying position, and eight seated patients, all under medical supervision.
- These buses are part of a NATO assistance package, which also includes three years of maintenance and a two-year Starlink subscription to ensure reliable communication.
- Jonathan praises Norway's contribution, highlighting the vital role of medical evacuations and treatment in the conflict.
- He recounts a disheartening incident where a reinforced medical bus, funded through a campaign led by Radu Hosu, was deliberately targeted and either severely damaged or destroyed in a Russian drone strike.
Temby Power's Road of Life Project
🎦 25:53-26:33⏩
- Jonathan highlights the commendable efforts of Temby Power, the former mayor of Tauranga in New Zealand, who has been actively involved in providing aid to Ukraine.
- Power has been instrumental in securing substantial funding from philanthropists, corporations, and other large donors.
- One of his notable initiatives is "Project Road of Life," which facilitates evacuations and provides medical transportation. This project involves a partnership between New Zealand and Ukraine, demonstrating international solidarity and support.
- Jonathan, who has personal connections to New Zealand, expresses his appreciation for Power's dedication and the generosity of the New Zealand people. He then attempts a New Zealand accent, much to the amusement of his viewers.
Wrap up
🎦 26:33-29:25⏩
- Jonathan concludes the video with an appeal for continued support for the NAFO (North Atlantic Fellas Organization) fundraising campaign. The campaign aims to raise $38,000, and they are nearing their goal with almost $25,000 raised so far.
- He expresses gratitude for all donations, emphasizing that every contribution makes a difference.
- He then plays a video message from the 12th National Guard unit of Ukraine, expressing their thanks to ATP Geopolitics, its subscribers, and NAFO for their support in providing vehicles.
- The unit specifically requests assistance in acquiring another pickup truck for their aerial reconnaissance team.
- Jonathan showcases the custom-designed NAFO badge for the "42nd Epistemology Battalion," a playful nod to the philosophical concept of knowledge and truth.
- The badge incorporates various symbolic elements representing the channel's commitment to providing medical aid, promoting knowledge, and supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom.
- He expresses his appreciation to JR and Chris for their contributions in designing the badge.
- He reiterates his plea for viewers to support the NAFO fundraiser and signs off.