Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"I don't care what you think about Guy Verhofstadt. Freaking brilliant. Absolutely brilliant."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-02:24⏩
Jonathan opens with frustration regarding the lack of international support for Ukraine, particularly the insufficient provision of air defense systems, especially Patriot batteries. He highlights Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba's plea for more air defense systems, emphasizing the urgency and the dire situation in Ukraine. He shares his frustration, even anger, at the international community's lack of action and the urgent need to recognize the historical significance of the situation and support Ukraine. Jonathan plans to indulge in Anzac biscuits and tea during the video to maintain a sense of calm.
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Ukraine's Plea for Patriot Systems
🎦 02:24-10:36⏩
Jonathan discusses Dmytro Kuleba’s efforts to secure Patriot missile batteries for Ukraine's defence, noting Kuleba's frustration with the lack of international support despite identifying over 100 available Patriot batteries globally. Kuleba has resorted to suggesting lease agreements, highlighting the desperate need for better air defences against Russia's evolving tactics, which now include more hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and S-300 surface-to-air missiles.
- Jonathan applauds Belgian politician Guy Verhofstadt for his passionate speech at the European Parliament demanding seven Patriot systems for Ukraine.
- Verhofstadt criticizes Europe's inaction in providing adequate military aid and proposes withholding approval of the EU Council budget until Ukraine receives the necessary Patriot systems.
- Jonathan praises Verhofstadt's approach, highlighting the EU's potential to expedite aid procurement by leveraging its larger budget and organizational framework compared to individual countries.
- He suggests the EU could purchase Patriot systems from member states and arrange for their replacement, addressing concerns about individual countries compromising their own defences.
EU Finance Ministers to Discuss Ukraine Reform & Investment Plans
🎦 10:36-11:23⏩
Jonathan reports that EU finance ministers are scheduled to discuss Ukraine’s reform plans and investment agenda in the coming week. This discussion will focus on Ukraine's request to secure €50 billion (approximately $53.7 billion) from the EU's four-year Ukraine facility. He notes this is in addition to the €5 billion expected in March.
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International Aid to Kharkiv
🎦 11:23-11:53⏩
Jonathan highlights the substantial aid Kharkiv has received from international donors, including nine powerful generators and 715 portable gasoline generators, to help the region cope with its energy crisis caused by attacks on infrastructure. Jonathan notes that the EU has also provided a significant number of generators to Ukraine.
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Latvia-Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement
🎦 11:53-13:13⏩
Jonathan reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Latvian President Rinkovic signed a bilateral security agreement in Latvia. Under this agreement, Latvia commits to providing Ukraine with military aid amounting to 0.25% of its annual GDP, along with support for cyber defence, demining efforts, unmanned technologies, and Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO over the next decade. Jonathan acknowledges that while Zelensky's popularity in Ukraine has slightly declined, his experience, connections, and the relationships he has fostered globally make him irreplaceable at this time.
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Switzerland Pledges $5.5 Billion in Aid to Ukraine
🎦 13:13-14:07⏩
Jonathan announces Switzerland's pledge of $5.5 billion to support Ukraine's economic recovery but clarifies that this aid will be distributed over 12 years, until 2036. He points out that while this is a substantial contribution, it differs from a lump sum payment. This aid will be allocated towards reconstruction, development, and economic recovery.
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Reconstruction Costs in Mykolaiv
🎦 14:07-14:13⏩
Jonathan discusses the mayor of Mykolaiv's statement that reconstruction in the southern Ukrainian city will cost at least $2.9 billion. This highlights the enormous financial challenge Ukraine faces in rebuilding after the war.
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Germany's Substantial Contributions to Ukraine
🎦 14:13-19:14⏩
Jonathan addresses criticism regarding Germany's contributions to Ukraine, highlighting that Germany has been a significant contributor of financial and military aid, as well as accepting 1.1 million refugees, a number far exceeding other large industrialised nations. He references a comment from a viewer, "Britishmen," who points out that Germany’s contributions, both civil and military, surpass those of the USA, UK, France, and Italy. "Britishmen" further highlights Germany's complete rejection of Russian gas and criticizes the fixation on the Taurus missile issue, which overshadows Germany's substantial support.
- Jonathan agrees with "Britishmen," acknowledging that while Germany's communication, particularly regarding the Taurus missiles, has been inconsistent and poorly managed, their overall contribution has been remarkable. He suggests focusing on Germany’s positive actions rather than dwelling solely on the Taurus missile issue.
France to Train Ukrainian Squad Leaders
🎦 19:14-19:45⏩
Jonathan discusses France's plan to provide intensive one-week training for Ukrainian squad leaders, aiming to address their perceived weakness in command structure. He notes the stark contrast between this crash course and the four years of training French squad leaders typically receive. Despite the challenges of condensed training, the initiative aims to equip Ukrainians with essential leadership skills for their defence.
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Lithuania Provides New Military Aid Package to Ukraine
🎦 19:45-20:41⏩
Jonathan reports that Lithuania has delivered a new military aid package to Ukraine, encompassing anti-drone warfare equipment, generators, and “clamshells” (possibly folding beds) for the Ukrainian army. This aid package is valued at around €84 million. Jonathan notes an increased need for gas masks in Ukraine due to the rising number of gas attacks by Russian forces employing CS gas. He suggests that countries hesitant to provide lethal aid, such as Ireland and Austria, could contribute non-lethal aid like gas masks.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina's Surplus Arms and Munitions
🎦 20:41-21:14⏩
Jonathan raises the topic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) possessing a 31,000-ton surplus of arms and munitions. He hints that this surplus could be beneficial to Ukraine and suggests that intermediaries could be employed to facilitate the transfer if BiH has any export restrictions in place, implying a potential opportunity to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities.
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BAE Systems to Maintain & Repair Howitzers in Ukraine
🎦 21:14-21:35⏩
Jonathan reports that British arms manufacturer BAE Systems secured a contract with the UK's Ministry of Defence to maintain and repair L-119 howitzers within Ukraine. This agreement enables British companies to operate repair facilities in Ukraine, signalling long-term support for Ukraine's defence capabilities.
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Effectiveness of New Ukro Lancet Drones
🎦 21:35-23:32⏩
Jonathan discusses the new Ukro Lancet drones, which some argue are being hyped up. Despite this, he acknowledges their impact and notes they are proving effective in targeting Russian air defence systems, marking a significant improvement in Ukraine's drone capabilities. He cites a Forbes report by David Hambling, which describes how these new, long-range Ukrainian FPV (first-person view) drones, dubbed "Ukro Lancets," are successfully destroying expensive Russian mobile air defence systems, such as the Tor system (costing around $24 million).
- The drones' extended range allows the Ukrainians to target these high-value assets before the Russians can relocate them to safety.
- Jonathan emphasizes the Ukrainians' ability to inflict substantial damage using these relatively inexpensive drones.
- He cites an instance where a Ukrainian RAM-X drone took out a Russian Borisoglebsk electronic warfare system.
- Jonathan highlights the irony of a Tunguska air defence system, designed to neutralize drones, being destroyed by a drone.
- He also mentions that the Borisoglebsk system failed to jam either the attack drone or the scout drone filming the strike, further showcasing the effectiveness of Ukraine's evolving drone warfare tactics.
Ukrainian Parliament Votes on Mobilization Bill
🎦 25:47-27:12⏩
Jonathan shifts focus to the Ukrainian Parliament’s progress on the mobilization bill. The Ukrainian Parliament has adopted the mobilisation bill in the second reading. He highlights that:
- Out of 283 deputies, 282 voted in favor and only one voted against the bill.
- One crucial amendment involved excluding demobilization after 36 months of service, a significant change from the initial draft.
- The final vote took place after addressing a staggering 4,263 amendments.
- Jonathan questions whether this signifies the bill's completion and if it awaits President Zelensky's signature, acknowledging the importance of this legislation for Ukraine's defence efforts.
Mobilization of Women in Ukraine
🎦 27:12-29:55⏩
Jonathan addresses the circulating disinformation regarding the potential mobilization of women in Ukraine.
- He emphasizes that current information suggesting Ukraine is changing legislation to enable women's mobilization is false.
- The Center for Countering Disinformation clarifies that mobilizing women is not currently on the agenda and women can only volunteer to join the Ukrainian defence forces.
- While acknowledging the potential benefits of mobilizing women, Jonathan recognises the complexities involved. He points out that there are societal, economic, and familial implications to consider. Mobilizing women could disrupt traditional family structures and potentially impact childcare, which is why such decisions require careful consideration to avoid societal upheaval. He notes the need to balance military needs with the stability of Ukrainian society and its economy.
Russia's Volunteer Efforts for Drone Procurement
🎦 29:55-31:45⏩
Jonathan delves into Russia's efforts to equip its forces with drones through volunteer groups and charitable organizations.
- He references a thread by Sam Bendet highlighting the success of Russia's "Katya Vlaia" volunteer initiative in procuring DJI quadcopters and Starlink terminals for the Russian military.
- Jonathan shares images from the thread depicting numerous quadcopters and Starlink terminals seemingly destined for Russian troops, along with volunteers assembling FPV drones in workshops.
- While he previously asserted that Ukraine surpasses Russia in effectively utilizing volunteer networks and initiatives like United24 for drone procurement, he acknowledges that Russia is also achieving a degree of success in bolstering its drone capabilities through these means.
Russia Utilizing Illegal Immigrants to Bolster Forces
🎦 31:45-33:43⏩
Jonathan raises concerns about Russia's controversial tactic of rounding up illegal immigrants and deploying them to the front lines in Ukraine.
- He cites footage from Krasnoyarsk, shared by "Jay in Kyiv", depicting this practice.
- He points out that this is not an isolated incident, as there have been multiple reports of raids on warehouses and workplaces, like the Wildberries Warehouse, to verify work visas and potentially conscript individuals without proper documentation into the Russian army.
- Jonathan labels this practice "crypto-mobilization", highlighting the involuntary nature of coercing these individuals into military service.
- He contrasts this with Ukraine's more humane approach, which, according to recent legislation, allows only minor offenders to volunteer for service and does not target vulnerable populations like immigrants.
- Jonathan concludes that Russia, despite having a larger population, resorts to ethically questionable tactics to maintain numerical superiority on the battlefield.
Wrap up
🎦 33:43-33:53⏩
Jonathan signs off, encouraging viewers to like, subscribe, and share the video. He plans to enjoy some Anzac biscuits and tea.
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