Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitical News

"The truth is harsh but Meloni is right. Time to step up and lead. Only the EU can bring Russia to heel."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:28⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to the second part of the Ukraine War Update for 30th December 2023. He mentions that due to restrictions, the first part was uploaded on his secondary channel but he hopes this one will be available on his main channel.

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Germany pledges €4.93 Billion in military aid to Ukraine

🎦 00:28-01:06⏩

Germany has pledged a further €4.93 Billion in military aid to Ukraine on top of the €5.97 billion already provided since February 2022. Most contracts are expected to run until mid to late 2024, but some extend as far as 2028.

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Jonathan discusses US and EU geopolitical strategy and the impact of military aid on the balance of power

🎦 01:06-03:52⏩

Jonathan analyses the balance of power between the US and Europe and how this relates to military aid for Ukraine. While some Americans believe that Europe should be doing more, increased European military support could have unintended consequences. Greater self-sufficiency in Europe lessens US influence, potentially shifting the geopolitical landscape. He highlights that this is a complex issue, resembling a "zero-sum game", where a move towards European independence could diminish US global dominance. He believes that there are valid arguments to be made for both perspectives and encourages viewers to share their thoughts.

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UK to send hundreds of anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine following Russian attacks

🎦 03:52-04:56⏩

Jonathan reports that the UK will supply Ukraine with hundreds of anti-aircraft missiles to replenish those used in defending against recent attacks. He praises the UK's rapid response and calls for other nations to take similar action. Jonathan emphasizes the need for concrete action over empty words, stating that Ukraine needs tangible support, not just condemnation from organizations like the UN.

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Clarification that the UK provided Ukraine with the longer range Storm Shadow missiles, not the export version

🎦 04:58-07:26⏩

Jonathan discusses the types of Storm Shadow cruise missiles that the UK has supplied to Ukraine, citing information from defence analyst John Ridge, who clarifies that the UK provided the longer-range Storm Shadow missiles from their own stock, not the export variant "Black Shaheen". This refutes earlier speculation that Ukraine only had access to the export version with a shorter 290km range. Jonathan acknowledges that he was personally unsure about which variant had been sent. He speculates that there may be restrictions on their use, such as prohibiting strikes within Russia's internationally recognised borders, but perhaps permitting use within occupied territories, including Crimea.

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Ukraine develops two new heavy machine guns

🎦 07:26-07:39⏩

Jonathan reports that Ukraine is actively developing new weapons, highlighting two new heavy machine guns currently undergoing testing at a research institute.

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Jonathan and Adam Kinzinger agree that US aid for Ukraine should take priority

🎦 07:39-10:16⏩

Jonathan expresses his frustration with the current impasse in the US Congress regarding aid for Ukraine, emphasizing its global significance, particularly for him as a British citizen. He argues that Ukraine funding should take precedence over other issues, such as border security, drawing parallels to the lead-up to World War II and the need to confront aggression early on. Jonathan quotes former Republican lawmaker Adam Kinzinger, who echoes this sentiment, urging Congress to prioritize Ukraine, stating that history is judging their actions. Jonathan expresses his strong agreement with Kinzinger's stance.

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Beware of Disinformation: Debunking a viral video about the US-Mexico border

🎦 10:16-11:58⏩

Jonathan warns viewers about the dangers of disinformation, highlighting a viral video falsely depicting a mass crossing of vehicles at the US-Mexico border, which he believes is being amplified by Russian trolls to further their agenda. He debunks the video, revealing that it was actually filmed at a toll station in Colombia. Jonathan stresses the importance of fact-checking and critical thinking, acknowledging that even he can make mistakes and is open to correcting them. He encourages viewers to be wary of information, especially when it aligns with their existing beliefs, emphasizing the need to challenge confirmation bias.

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World Leaders condemn Russia's mass missile attack but fail to take action

🎦 11:58-12:33⏩

Jonathan shifts focus to the international response to Russia's recent mass missile attack on Ukraine, which he describes as the largest since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. He highlights the condemnation from Western leaders but expresses scepticism about concrete actions being taken. He quotes US President Biden's statement, which condemns the attack and emphasizes the need to stop Putin but notes that rhetoric without action is meaningless.

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Jonathan expresses concern over the lack of action from the international community

🎦 12:33-12:56⏩

Jonathan expresses his disappointment that despite strong words from world leaders, there seems to be a lack of decisive action against Russia. He questions whether the UN Security Council's criticism will lead to any tangible measures.

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Jonathan's concerns about China's growing economic support for Russia

🎦 12:56-23:49⏩

Jonathan voices his concerns about the lack of meaningful action stemming from the political complexities and mechanisms of organisations like the US Congress and the UN Security Council. He reiterates his earlier point that while the US taking the lead in supporting Ukraine might seem beneficial, it could inadvertently hinder Europe's ability to become self-reliant in defence, ultimately preserving the existing power dynamic with the US at the helm. He cites Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's perspective, who argues that US support creates a "false sense of security" for Europe and allows the US to maintain its sphere of influence. Meloni believes that true freedom comes from self-reliance, not dependence on others, and calls for Europe to step up and take responsibility for its own defence. Jonathan reveals that he is torn between these two viewpoints, acknowledging the strengths of both perspectives. He acknowledges that the US, with its superior military capabilities, is currently best positioned to counter Russia. However, he also recognizes that this dominance stems from a system that may have inadvertently hindered Europe's defence capabilities. Jonathan ends this segment by posing a question to viewers: should Europe increase military spending and strive for a more dominant geopolitical role? He is clearly conflicted and does not provide a definitive answer, encouraging his audience to contemplate this complex issue.

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Argentina's new President rejects BRICS membership and considers adopting the US dollar

🎦 23:49-25:09⏩

Jonathan pivots to Argentina, where newly elected President Javier Milei, a right-wing populist, has rejected an invitation to join BRICS, opting instead to align Argentina more closely with the US and potentially even adopt the US dollar as its official currency. This move is significant as it directly challenges the influence of BRICS, particularly in the economic sphere.

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Ukraine and Hungary to hold high-level meetings in January

🎦 25:09-25:37⏩

Jonathan notes upcoming high-level meetings between Ukraine and Hungary. Ukrainian President Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are expected to meet soon. Additionally, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, are scheduled to discuss key bilateral issues. Jonathan hopes for positive outcomes from these meetings.

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Jonathan criticizes Liz Truss for awarding peerages to pro-Brexit figures with ties to Russia

🎦 25:37-34:05⏩

Jonathan shifts focus to UK politics, expressing concern over the awarding of peerages (life-long seats in the UK's House of Lords) by former Prime Minister Liz Truss, highlighting Matthew Elliot, a recipient of a peerage who had been involved with the Conservative Friends of Russia group and had participated in a 2012 trip to Moscow organised by a suspected Russian spy. He argues that such appointments, especially to individuals with potential ties to Russia, are concerning given the current geopolitical climate. Jonathan draws parallels to Russia's influence in German politics, where the Kremlin has been accused of cultivating relationships with politicians, raising questions about potential foreign interference in Brexit, particularly considering Russia's vested interest in weakening the EU. He argues that the UK government's refusal to investigate such interference is suspicious. Jonathan calls for greater transparency and scrutiny regarding Russia's influence in British politics, advocating for an investigation into potential meddling in the Brexit referendum.

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Russia actively working to undermine French Support for Ukraine

🎦 34:05-35:56⏩

Jonathan moves on to discuss Russian efforts to undermine French support for Ukraine, citing a Washington Post article that exposes a hidden propaganda front aimed at sowing discord within France. The report details a Kremlin strategy document outlining plans to exploit social media and cultivate relationships with influential figures to shift public opinion. According to the report, approximately 30% of the French population still holds a positive view of Russia, and a staggering 40% are sceptical of media reports about Ukraine, making France a prime target for Russian disinformation campaigns.

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We live in a post-truth world - be wary of confirmation bias!

🎦 35:56-37:37⏩

Jonathan expresses his concern over the eroding trust in traditional media and the rise of a "post-truth" reality, highlighting the susceptibility of people to accept narratives that confirm their pre-existing biases, often dismissing or downplaying information that challenges their worldview. He encourages viewers to be critical of all information, including his own, emphasizing the importance of challenging confirmation bias by actively seeking out diverse perspectives and engaging with information that challenges our assumptions.

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Germany considers reintroducing conscription due to troop shortages

🎦 37:37-38:20⏩

Jonathan circles back to the topic of Europe's defence capabilities, reporting that Germany is considering reinstating conscription due to personnel shortages in the Bundeswehr, its armed forces. He attributes this to the "peace dividend," where reduced military spending following the Cold War has left Europe vulnerable. He links this development back to Meloni's earlier argument that Europe needs to take greater responsibility for its own security.

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Wrap up

🎦 38:20-39:11⏩

Jonathan concludes the video by acknowledging the heavy analysis and his personal opinions presented. He assures viewers that his commentary is based on evidence and encourages them to engage critically with the information. He thanks viewers for watching, asks them to like, subscribe, and share the video and to check that they are still subscribed and have notifications turned on.

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