Ukraine War Update NEWS: Geopolitical News and Rant

"When the biggest fans of the GOP lawmakers, when the biggest fan of Mike Johnson is Vladimir Putin, the dictator, is King John Il, and is Tehran, if they're your biggest fans about what you're doing in congress you need to think about whether you're doing the right thing."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:31⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATPG video, apologising for the high volume of content recently and expressing the need for a break. He acknowledges the importance of covering the ongoing situation in Ukraine, especially considering the current volume of events.

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Blinken: No Ceasefire in Sight for Ukraine

🎦 00:31-01:05⏩

Jonathan reports on US Secretary of State Blinken's statement that a long-term ceasefire in Ukraine is not currently likely. Jonathan questions whether enough is being done to expedite the conflict's end and ensure the "morally right" outcome prevails.

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Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: Ukraine's Importance for a Free Belarus

🎦 01:05-03:18⏩

Jonathan highlights Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's message: Ukraine's victory is crucial for Belarus's own freedom. Tsikhanouskaya urges the West to provide Ukraine with all necessary support, emphasizing the interconnected fate of both nations. Jonathan concurs, arguing that a democratic Belarus benefits Ukraine and that Lukashenko's regime, propped up by Putin, poses a threat. Jonathan emphasizes the broader regional and geopolitical ramifications of the war, extending far beyond a simple Ukraine-Russia conflict.

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Romania-Ukraine Border Tensions Flare Again

🎦 03:18-03:52⏩

Jonathan reports on renewed tensions at the Romania-Ukraine border as Romanian farmers block the Diakova-Halmeu crossing point. He notes that this border, along with the Ukraine-Poland border, has seen recurring issues.

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Ukrainian Grain Exports Rebound

🎦 03:52-04:49⏩

Jonathan highlights the successful rebound of Ukrainian grain sea exports, approaching and potentially surpassing pre-war levels. Insurance rates for these shipments have plummeted due to increased confidence from four companies, including a British insurer. Jonathan emphasizes the global significance of this development, stating that lower insurance costs translate into lower grain prices, benefiting regions like Africa and stabilizing the global food market.

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EU Discord: German MEP to Sue Over Hungary Funds

🎦 04:49-07:14⏩

Jonathan discusses the escalating tensions within the EU as German Green MEP Daniel Freund announces plans to sue the European Commission over its decision to unfreeze €10.2 billion in funds for Hungary. This move is widely seen as a concession to secure Hungary's vote on a €50 billion aid package for Ukraine. Freund criticizes this as a "dirty deal" with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Jonathan details the proposed solutions to the Orban-Hungary issue: a potential 26-member agreement excluding Hungary, a Finnish-led initiative to revoke Orban's voting rights, and a compromise granting Orban veto power over future aid installments. Jonathan leans towards the latter, viewing it as a pragmatic approach that guarantees at least a portion of the aid reaches Ukraine promptly.

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UK to Support English Language Education in Ukraine

🎦 07:14-07:52⏩

Jonathan reports on the UK's pledge to support Ukraine's initiative to promote English language education. Citing economic and diplomatic benefits, the UK, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, will provide additional funding and resources. Jonathan believes that greater English proficiency will enhance Ukraine's global integration and aid its recovery.

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UK Calls for Using Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine's Reconstruction

🎦 07:52-09:12⏩

Jonathan discusses the UK's call, championed by former Prime Minister David Cameron, for Western nations to utilise frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction. Cameron argues that Russia will inevitably pay reparations for its invasion, so using those funds now is a pragmatic and morally sound approach. Jonathan agrees, emphasizing the significant amount of frozen Russian central bank reserves and the accrued interest, which could be directly channeled to aid Ukraine. Cameron dismisses concerns about potential damage to the reputation of Western financial centers.

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Bill Browder: Trump's Potential Return Adds Urgency to Ukraine Funding

🎦 09:12-11:09⏩

Jonathan highlights Bill Browder's (CEO of Hermitage Capital Management and architect of the Magnitsky Act), warning about the potential impact of a Donald Trump victory in the upcoming US presidential election on Ukraine aid. Browder argues that Trump's past statements on resolving the Ukraine crisis raise concerns about his commitment to continued support. Browder advocates for the immediate confiscation and utilization of frozen Russian assets, totaling $350 billion, as "Donald Trump insurance" to ensure Ukraine's continued ability to defend itself regardless of the US election outcome. Jonathan concurs, suggesting that even Trump would likely approve of this measure.

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Jonathan's Perspective on Donald Trump and US Politics

🎦 11:09-14:50⏩

Addressing criticisms of his commentary on US politics, Jonathan defends his knowledge and opinions, stating they resonate with many American viewers, particularly those aligned with his views. He expresses his deep disdain for Donald Trump, citing the former president's civil court conviction for rape, allegations of sexual assault, defamation lawsuits, and alleged financial impropriety while in office. Jonathan finds Trump vacuous and easily influenced, drawing a parallel to Steve Bannon being portrayed as the Grim Reaper behind Trump on Saturday Night Live. He believes Trump lacks genuine convictions, adapting his stance on issues like abortion based on political expediency. Jonathan expresses concern about Trump's current stance on Ukraine, believing it to be driven by his base's views rather than genuine conviction.

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David Cameron: Ukraine is the Top Priority, Appeasement is Not an Option

🎦 14:50-15:26⏩

Jonathan returns to David Cameron's argument, comparing the current situation in Europe to the 1930s. Cameron emphasizes the need to stand firm against Putin's "evil" invasion of Ukraine, rejecting any notion of appeasement. He highlights the ongoing support from France, Germany, and the EU, as well as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's recent visit to Kyiv, during which he pledged £3.2 billion in military aid. Jonathan views Cameron's rhetoric as indicative of a pivotal moment in history, far surpassing the significance of domestic issues like the US southern border in the grand scheme of things.

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US Funding for Ukraine Held Hostage to Domestic Politics

🎦 15:26-19:26⏩

Jonathan expresses his frustration as US House Speaker Mike Johnson links Ukraine aid to the US securing its southern border. Johnson argues now is not the time for a deal on immigration and border issues, even as President Biden attempts to rally bipartisan support for Ukraine. Johnson's stance, evident in his social media posts, prioritizes the border over Ukraine, a position Jonathan vehemently disagrees with. Jonathan criticizes Johnson's stance, suggesting that Putin and other US adversaries are likely pleased with this obstruction of aid to Ukraine. He argues that Ukraine aid should not be held hostage to domestic political maneuvering, especially when lives are at stake. Delving into the comments section of Johnson's tweet, Jonathan analyzes the polarized opinions, questioning whether some pro-border security, anti-Ukraine aid accounts might be Russian trolls attempting to sow discord. He highlights the concerning trend of partisan division on this critical issue, drawing a parallel to a hypothetical situation where two neighbors argue over payment while their houses burn down. Jonathan emphasizes the absurdity of blaming the Democrats for not capitulating to Republican demands, likening it to rewarding extortion.

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A Republican's Plea: Ukraine Aid Should Not Be Partisan

🎦 19:26-21:42⏩

Jonathan shares a comment from "Brian," a self-identified conservative Republican and staunch supporter of Ukraine. Brian expresses his sadness that Ukraine aid has become a partisan issue, stating that he faces criticism from fellow Republicans for his pro-Ukraine stance. Brian highlights the border and the economy as the top two issues in his home state of Iowa and worries that his pro-Ukraine position might hinder his political aspirations. Jonathan is disheartened by Brian's experience, lamenting that this crucial issue has been hijacked by partisan politics. He believes that if Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, or John McCain were in charge, Ukraine would have unwavering bipartisan support. Jonathan blames the current state of affairs on the hyper-partisan climate and attributes the Republicans' reluctance to support Ukraine solely to Biden being a Democrat.

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Jamie Raskin: Congress Plagued by Inaction and Partisanship

🎦 21:42-22:27⏩

Jonathan shares a clip of US Representative Jamie Raskin, who criticizes the 118th Congress for its lack of productivity, stating it's on track to be one of the most unproductive in history. Raskin points to the failure to pass meaningful bipartisan legislation, highlighting the lack of progress on immigration and border security. Jonathan agrees with Raskin's assessment, attributing the impasse to hyper-partisanship and an unwillingness to compromise.

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Jonathan's Frustration and Call for Unity

🎦 22:27-25:21⏩

Jonathan reiterates his frustration with the situation, emphasizing the human cost of delaying aid as Ukrainians die fighting in the trenches. He expresses hope for a compromise but remains deeply troubled by the Republican strategy of holding Ukraine aid hostage to force concessions on the border issue.

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Pakistan Retaliates Against Iranian Strikes, Potential Implications for Russia

🎦 25:21-28:51⏩

Shifting gears, Jonathan reports on Pakistan's retaliatory attack against Iran following Iranian strikes targeting alleged Sunni separatist militants within Pakistan's borders. He outlines the religious tensions between Shia-majority Iran and Sunni-majority Pakistan, noting the complex dynamics of Iran's support for both Hamas (Sunni) and Hezbollah (Shia). Jonathan speculates that this escalation could benefit Ukraine, as Iran, facing increased military commitments and a potential need to replenish its drone and missile stockpiles, might be less willing or able to provide such support to Russia.

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China's Shipbuilding Capacity Dwarfs the US

🎦 28:51-29:10⏩

Jonathan concludes with a final, somewhat unrelated point about China's shipbuilding capacity, which has increased to 200 times that of the US. He presents this as a point of concern for those who support American industrial dominance.

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Wrap up

🎦 29:10-29:12⏩

Jonathan thanks his viewers for watching, bids them farewell, and expresses a need for a cup of tea after such a rant.

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