Ukraine War Update NEWS: Pt 1 - Overnight & Other News, Victory Plan & Big Ole Rant
Table of Contents 📖
"If you support that man, you need to take a look at yourself morally."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:15⏩
- Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics video.
- He indicates that this is the first part of the Ukraine War News Update for 24th September 2024.
- He states he will start with the Ukrainian General Staff figures regarding Russian losses from the previous day.
🪦 DISCLAIMER FOR GENERAL STAFF LOSSES DATA
- These are real people with real lives and real families who love them. Don’t let the numbers sap your humanity.
- These numbers probably aren’t accurate but they’re the best we have and we don’t need them to be accurate to be indicative of patterns of activity.
- All losses are estimates. Losses cannot be counted with accuracy because of the conditions on the ground.
- Both sides would see it to be of their advantage to minimize their own losses maximize the other side’s losses.
- Neither side releases their losses but we have enough transparency from the Ukrainian side to have confidence in they are indicative.
- Personnel losses are hard to count. If a soldier gets injured, heals up, and returns to the front line only to get injured again, is that one loss or two? Also, how to deal with losses from PMC’s or soldiers fighting with RF from occupied territories?
- Equipment losses are hard to count. If an AA complex involves several parts and one part gets disabled, is that a loss, or a fraction of a loss? If a tank gets disabled, repaired, back into the fight, then disabled again, is that one lost tank or two?
- All recorded losses are vulnerable to multiple reporting. We have already seen numerous cases of multiple drones in the air reporting the same loss from different angles as multiple engagements.
- Losses are not always reported on the same day they occurred. It is frequent that drone losses are reported at least 24 hours after other terrestrial equipment losses. Certain losses may not be reported for days or weeks for military intelligence reasons.
Ukrainian General Staff Reports on Russian Losses (23/09/2024)
🎦 00:15-01:35⏩
- The Ukrainian General Staff has reported substantial Russian losses, exceeding Jonathan's previously estimated range.
- Losses include over 1,400 personnel, 16 tanks, 40 troop-carrying APVs, 61 artillery systems, and many other pieces of equipment.
- These losses are significantly higher than the usual daily average.
- The figures show a recent trend of elevated losses.
- Jonathan highlights that Andrew Perpetua's loss lists reflect these increased figures, suggesting a degree of accuracy in the General Staff's reports.
Ukrainian Losses (22/09/2024)
🎦 01:38-04:00⏩
- Ukrainian losses from two days prior (22/09/2024) are discussed.
- The destruction of an Australian-supplied 10 air defence system is highlighted.
- Other losses include T-64 tanks, APCs, Humvees, BTRs, M113Bs, and MRAPs.
- The loss of various trucks, ATVs, and civilian vehicles is also mentioned.
- The majority of the losses are classified as destroyed or abandoned, but some are listed as damaged.
Russian Losses - Buk-M3 & Other Equipment
🎦 04:00-05:43⏩
- A Russian Buk-M3 air defence system in the Kursk region was destroyed by a HIMARS strike.
- Visual evidence confirming the destruction is available.
- Other losses include electronic warfare equipment, a recovery vehicle, excavators, a Grad launcher on an MTLB chassis, and several tanks, some of which are considered "tracked garden sheds" due to their heavily adapted nature.
- A significant number of infantry fighting vehicles are also reported lost.
Russian Losses - Recent Day (23/09/2024)
🎦 05:43-07:06⏩
- Russian losses for the most recent day (23/09/2024) are also substantial, with a degree of parity with Ukrainian losses.
- Jonathan notes a high number of civilian vehicles lost on both sides.
- The Ukrainian losses include some artillery, which he says is a common feature in Andrew Perpetua's lists.
- Russian artillery losses are also higher than usual, including a record day the day before. Jonathan emphasises that these high losses are not as readily reflected in the visual loss lists.
Ukrainian Artillery Effectiveness
🎦 07:06-07:55⏩
- Jonathan suggests that Ukrainian forces have been focusing on eliminating Russian artillery since May 2023, leading to a significant increase in Russian artillery losses.
- He believes that if these artillery losses were fully reflected in the visual loss lists, they would be extremely high.
- The Ukrainian approach has been successful in minimising the threat of Russian artillery fire.
Andrew Perpetua's Loss Lists (24/09/2024)
🎦 07:55-08:27⏩
- Andrew Perpetua's most recent loss list (likely from 24/09/2024) is discussed.
- It includes some Ukrainian artillery losses, including an AHS Crab and a HIMARS that was hit by an Iskander missile (extent of damage is unknown).
- The proportion of damaged to destroyed Ukrainian equipment is favourable.
Ukrainian Losses (24/09/2024)
🎦 08:27-08:42⏩
- The current day's (24/09/2024) Ukrainian losses include three damaged tanks, a couple of destroyed BMP-2s, some damaged APCs, M113s, Strykers, and MRAPs.
- There are many destroyed civilian vehicles.
Russian Losses (24/09/2024)
🎦 08:42-09:11⏩
- Russian losses include civilian vehicles, ATVs, and a range of artillery.
- Eight tanks are lost, with 6 of them destroyed or abandoned.
- There are 3 more "tracked garden sheds" amongst the destroyed tanks.
Russian Tank Usage and Adaptation
🎦 09:11-09:46⏩
- The prevalence of adapted tanks (tracked garden sheds) suggests that they are either not fully operational or are being used as less valuable assets.
- Jonathan suggests that tanks are increasingly used by the Russians as "glorified APCs" to clear pathways for assaults, often attracting drone strikes.
- The emphasis on their use as APCs implies they are not seen as a key asset.
Ukrainian 25th Airborne Assault Brigade Actions
🎦 09:46-10:16⏩
- The 25th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed 15 Russian tanks and IFVs, as well as other vehicles and infantry.
- This highlights ongoing Ukrainian resistance and successes despite Russian gains in the east.
Eastern Front Situation
🎦 10:16-10:40⏩
- The situation on the eastern front is described as not looking good for Ukraine.
- Vuhledar is likely to fall, and Pokrovsk is under threat.
- The Russians are making significant gains in settlements south-east of Pokrovsk and moving towards Kurakhove.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen's Analysis on the Russian Economy
🎦 10:40-11:05⏩
- Anders Fogh Rasmussen has released a video analysing the Russian economy.
- He argues that the Russian economy is more vulnerable than commonly perceived, despite the perception that Russia has vast financial resources.
- This contrasts with the idea that Russia has an inexhaustible supply of cash and hydrocarbons.
Russian Equipment in the Kursk Region
🎦 11:05-12:33⏩
- Footage shows Russian equipment and vehicles in the Grushkovsky District of the Kursk region, near the area where Ukrainian attacks are occurring.
- The footage depicts a substantial amount of destroyed equipment along the roads.
- Little damage to civilian infrastructure is seen.
- Jonathan observes that the Ukrainians are more targeted in their attacks on infrastructure than the Russians.
- He highlights that the roads are under fire control from drones and that driving them would be extremely dangerous.
Baba Yaga Drone Usage
🎦 13:06-14:07⏩
- Jonathan discusses the increased use of larger drones, often called "Baba Yaga" drones, which are being used to deliver larger explosives.
- Footage shows the drones dropping TM-62 anti-tank mines onto vehicles, causing significant damage.
- This is a new development that increases the destructive capability of these drones.
Impact of Baba Yaga Drones
🎦 14:07-14:58⏩
- Jonathan explains that the use of larger explosives by drones is more effective than smaller hand grenades or incendiary devices in disabling fully functional vehicles.
- The top of a tank or IFV is the weakest point and thus a prime target for these larger explosives dropped from above.
Ukrainian Defence Ministry's "Avengers" Platform
🎦 14:58-15:18⏩
- Jonathan mentions that Ukraine's Ministry of Defence's "Avengers" platform, using artificial intelligence, is able to detect approximately 12,000 units of Russian equipment every week through video analysis.
- This platform is reportedly unique due to the volume of video data it processes.
Robert Magyar's Drone Training and AI Predictions
🎦 15:18-16:25⏩
- Robert Magyar, a prominent figure in drone usage and fundraising for Ukraine, predicts that drone operators may no longer be needed on the battlefield within about 6 months.
- Jonathan speculates that this is likely due to the development of artificial intelligence and automation for drones.
- He suggests that the future might see automated drone warfare, potentially a reality in the near future.
Russian Drone Activity Over Nikopol
🎦 16:34-17:35⏩
- Footage of a Russian drone intercepted by Ukrainian forces over Nikopol is shown.
- The footage shows the drone seemingly firing flares into civilian neighbourhoods, potentially to set fire to houses.
- Jonathan calls this a war crime, highlighting Russia's indiscriminate targeting of civilian populations.
Russian War Crimes & Public Opinion
🎦 17:36-17:55⏩
- Jonathan expresses frustration at those who appear to blame the US for the war while exonerating Russia for its actions.
- He strongly condemns Russia's war crimes and actions in Ukraine.
- He believes that Russia's actions should be widely acknowledged as morally reprehensible.
Incident at Omsk Military Base (Russia)
🎦 17:59-18:30⏩
- Two middle school students in Omsk, Russia, broke into a military base and set fire to a Mi-8 helicopter.
- The method used is unclear but possibly involved cigarettes or a Molotov cocktail.
- The students were apprehended.
Fire at Moscow Finance Ministry Building
🎦 18:30-18:59⏩
- A fire broke out at the roof of the Finance Ministry building in Moscow city centre.
- It appears the building was undergoing reconstruction.
- Jonathan considers this another example of "Russia on fire".
Overnight Drone and Missile Attacks on Ukraine
🎦 19:00-20:05⏩
- The Ukrainian Air Force reported another large-scale drone attack overnight.
- 81 Shahed drones were launched towards Ukraine, with 66 shot down and 13 disrupted by electronic warfare.
- This results in a very high interception rate.
- In addition, Russia launched missiles, with two KH-59/69 cruise missiles and one unknown missile type successfully reaching their targets.
- The details of where these missiles struck are not known.
The Impact of the War on Ukrainian Society
🎦 20:18-21:24⏩
- Jonathan reminds viewers of the war's widespread impact on Ukrainian society.
- He emphasizes that every human life lost is significant, whether it's a poet, bricklayer, or anyone else.
- He highlights that Ukraine is suffering immense losses, both human and economic, because of the war.
Death of Ukrainian Poet Taras Yelya
🎦 21:25-21:54⏩
- Anton Gerashchenko reported that Ukrainian poet Taras Yelya (call sign "General") has died defending Ukraine.
- Taras was the son of two poets, Valentina Ostrochenko and Valery Yelya.
- He was a recipient of the Oles Honchar Prize and a member of the Dynamo Kyiv fan movement.
- Jonathan pays tribute to Taras and other Ukrainian heroes who have given their lives in the war.
Causality of the War & Moral Responsibility
🎦 21:54-24:18⏩
- Jonathan acknowledges the difficulty of determining the ultimate cause of the war.
- He highlights that everything that existed prior to the war's start could be considered a cause in a complex web of events.
- While he states that it's difficult to pinpoint the cause, he emphasizes that Russia bears the primary responsibility for the war.
- He points out that Putin initiated hostilities in 2014 and escalated them in 2022, making Russia primarily to blame.
- He sees no need for excessive philosophical debate over who is to blame in communication with the general public.
Zelensky's Victory Plan & Interview
🎦 24:25-27:11⏩
- Zelensky's comments in an interview are discussed.
- He emphasizes that his victory plan is not about negotiating with Russia but rather about achieving a position of military strength.
- Zelensky believes that a strong Ukraine can force Russia to the negotiating table.
- Jonathan highlights that this statement is crucial as some have interpreted Zelensky's comments about peace as a sign of willingness to negotiate.
- This strategy prioritises military victory as the route to achieving peace.
Four Points of Zelensky's Victory Plan
🎦 27:11-29:20⏩
- Jonathan outlines the four key elements of Zelensky's victory plan:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- He notes that the full details are expected to be released later in the week.
Zelensky's US and UN Trip
🎦 29:20-30:26⏩
- Jonathan outlines Zelensky's itinerary for his current trip to the US:
- Addressing the US Security Council tomorrow (Tuesday).
- Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
- Meetings with Biden and Harris on Thursday.
- He intends to meet with Donald Trump to discuss his victory plan.
Zelensky's New Yorker Interview
🎦 30:26-32:15⏩
- Zelensky's detailed interview with Joshua Yaffa for The New Yorker is discussed.
- Jonathan highlights a specific passage from the interview where Zelensky elaborates on the victory plan.
- The plan's objective is to rapidly strengthen Ukraine's military and economic position, forcing Putin to negotiate.
- Zelensky emphasizes the specific arguments and steps within the plan to strengthen Ukraine in October, November, and December, enabling a diplomatic end to the war.
Significance of Zelensky's Victory Plan
🎦 32:15-33:37⏩
- Jonathan highlights the significance of Zelensky's plan and the urgency within the October-December timeframe.
- He suggests that the urgency could be due to concerns about a potential Trump presidency or the need to act quickly due to the attrition of Ukrainian forces.
- Zelensky's approach prioritises securing a swift and advantageous peace deal before any potential shift in US policy or further weakening of Ukrainian forces.
Battlefields as Negotiating Tables
🎦 33:37-35:37⏩
- Jonathan emphasizes that battlefields are inherently negotiating tables, with military success driving negotiations.
- He believes Zelensky's victory plan is based on this principle – gaining military advantage to leverage in negotiations.
- The context of the Kursk operation is essential to understand this strategy. Kursk's strategic value is significant, giving Ukraine a stronger bargaining position.
- He stresses that the political posture from Kyiv in recent months demonstrates an attempt to position themselves favourably for an end game.
Donbas Situation & Potential End Game
🎦 35:37-37:28⏩
- The ongoing situation in Donbas is a key factor in the success of Zelensky's plan.
- Jonathan mentions Christopher Miller's article on the deteriorating situation in Donbas.
- The Ukrainian reserves and their ability to stabilise the front line are crucial to the plan's success.
- There are questions about the availability of equipment for these reserves.
- This period could be the start of the end of the war, if the West provides support and Ukraine manages significant military successes.
Blitzkrieg and Negotiations
🎦 37:28-38:11⏩
- Jonathan speculates on a potential scenario where Ukraine receives substantial support and conducts a decisive military offensive (Blitzkrieg) to weaken Russia.
- This success would then be used to leverage negotiations with Russia.
- The willingness of Russia to engage in negotiations at that point would be a key factor.
Trump's Comments on the War
🎦 38:11-41:05⏩
- Jonathan expresses strong disapproval of Donald Trump's recent comments regarding the war.
- Trump's rhetoric included denigrating Zelensky and claiming that the war is the US's fault for having an incompetent leader.
- Jonathan finds this approach appalling, highlighting that it avoids blaming Putin and ultimately helps Russia's information war.
- He expresses dismay that Trump is blaming the US for the war, even suggesting it was preventable by the US.
- Jonathan believes this approach is outrageous and morally reprehensible.
Trump's Comments on Zelensky
🎦 41:05-42:57⏩
- Trump's comments on Zelensky are criticised.
- Trump's comments suggest he views Zelensky as a successful salesman and implies that he's receiving large sums of money from the US.
- Jonathan refutes these accusations and expresses his strong disagreement with the perspective presented.
- He believes that Trump's approach is disrespectful to Ukraine and its citizens and that it's morally wrong to denigrate and attack a nation that is under attack.
- He finds it unbelievable that people are still supporting Trump in light of these comments.
Trump's Disregard for Ukraine's Well-being
🎦 42:57-43:17⏩
- Jonathan highlights that both Trump and his right-hand man, J.D. Vance, have explicitly stated that they don't care about Ukraine.
- He expresses bewilderment at why people refuse to acknowledge these statements and still hold Trump in high regard.
Kidnapping of Ukrainians for Speaking Ukrainian
🎦 43:30-44:32⏩
- A Russian blogger, Fedorov, interviewed a Russian military officer who revealed that Ukrainians in occupied territories are being kidnapped for speaking Ukrainian.
- Jonathan reminds viewers that this isn't the first time he's shared information about this practice.
- He calls it a form of genocide, highlighting the irony of Russia claiming to be protecting Russian culture while destroying Ukrainian culture.
- He states that those who support the Russian narrative by denigrating Zelensky and not condemning Putin are enabling this behaviour.
Wrap up
🎦 44:32-44:34⏩
- Jonathan concludes his rant with a strong statement against those who would support the narrative that demonizes Ukraine and avoids condemnation of Russia.