Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"The only information ever pushed on the Bidens in Ukraine has come from one source and one source only, Russia and Russian agents."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:40⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another Ukraine War News Update, the second part for March 21st, 2024. This update focuses on the significant volume of recent military aid news. Due to the amount of information, the military aid segment will be longer than usual, while the geopolitics section will be shorter.
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Netherlands to Send F-16 Munitions and Drones to Ukraine
🎦 00:40-02:39⏩
- Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Dutch Defence Minister Kasia Ollengren, discussing the strengthening of Ukraine's air defence systems, artillery, armoured vehicles and drones.
- The Netherlands will procure $164 million worth of F-16 munitions for Ukraine, purchasing them directly from the industry.
- Additionally, the Netherlands will commit €200 million to acquire ISR intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance drones - a model already employed by Ukrainian forces.
- 18 Dutch F-16s have been provided for training purposes in Romania, with Ukrainian pilots among those being trained. A further 24 Dutch F-16s are intended for delivery to Ukraine.
Spain to Send Leopard 2A4 Tanks to Ukraine
🎦 02:39-03:47⏩
Spain will be sending 20 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine. This is noteworthy because Spain hasn't been as prominent as other nations in supplying military aid. The donation of these tanks is significant as Ukraine has not received tank donations recently and desperately needs them to replace those lost in combat.
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Canada Provides $1.5 Billion in Financial Aid to Ukraine
🎦 03:47-04:42⏩
Canada has given $1.5 billion to Ukraine to help support the government and fund social programs for Ukrainians. This brings Canada's total financial contribution to Ukraine since the war began to $7 billion Canadian dollars.
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Lithuania Funds Artillery Shells for Ukraine through Czech Initiative
🎦 04:42-05:05⏩
Lithuania has allocated an additional $38 million to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine through the Czech initiative.
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Germany Increases Ammunition Commitments to Ukraine
🎦 05:05-09:47⏩
- Germany has pledged a further 290,000 artillery shells to Ukraine, adding to the 80,000 155mm and 120,000 122mm shells already pledged for 2024. More ammunition commitments are expected in the coming weeks.
- Over 120,000 155mm shells are planned for 2025 delivery and may arrive sooner. 105,000 120mm mortar shells are scheduled for delivery between this year and next.
- German companies, particularly Rheinmetall, are increasing their production capacities in Germany and internationally to expedite artillery shell manufacturing.
- In December 2023, Germany purchased 68,000 155mm shells worth €278 million from France for Ukraine. This highlights the high cost of modern warfare.
- An additional 282,000 155mm shells can be acquired by other EU and NATO partners through a German framework contract. This allows the French industry to expand its capacities.
- Securing high-quality steel for artillery shell production is crucial. Jonathan references a discussion with Andrew Perpetua on the importance of steel quality for shell construction, durability, and fragmentation.
- Jonathan thanks 'Germany to Ukraine' on Twitter for an infographic summarizing Germany's bilateral artillery ammunition commitments to Ukraine. The infographic outlines various sources of ammunition, including from stockpiles, the Czech initiative, and German industry.
- A significant contract with Rheinmetall for 2.2 million 155mm shells is in its final phase.
- Germany is taking on a heavy lifting role in supplying Ukraine with ammunition, with their government and industry actively supporting the effort.
Germany Approves Budget for Patriot Batteries, No Further Donations Planned
🎦 09:47-11:27⏩
- The Bundestag budget committee has authorized €1.28 billion for procuring four new Patriot batteries. An additional €76 million has been approved for upgrading existing Patriot radars.
- It remains unclear whether these upgrades are exclusively for German systems. This procurement would increase Germany's total to 14 Patriot batteries, assuming all new units are retained by the Bundeswehr.
- Germany has stated no plans for additional Patriot donations to Ukraine beyond the two batteries and associated launchers already delivered.
Ukrainian Forces Shoot Down Russian Drone with British Supercat ASRAAM
🎦 11:27-14:20⏩
- Video footage confirms that Ukrainian forces using a British Supercat ASRAAM system successfully shot down a Russian Zala reconnaissance drone in the south.
- The Supercat is a modified short-range air defence system that utilises the ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile), also known as the AIM-132. Typically used for air-to-air combat, the ASRAAM missile system has been adapted for ground-based air defence on the Supercat platform.
- The ASRAAM missile has a range of over 24 kilometers when launched from the air, with unconfirmed reports suggesting a maximum range of 50 kilometers under ideal conditions. However, surface launches significantly reduce this range due to factors like gravity and initial velocity.
- Despite the reduced range in surface-to-air configurations, the Supercat ASRAAM system provides a valuable asset for Ukraine in countering Russian drones and aircraft.
AMX-10RC Light Tanks from France Used in Training by Ukrainian 37th Marine Brigade
🎦 14:20-15:34⏩
- The French-supplied AMX-10RC light tanks are being utilised by Ukraine's 37th Separate Marine Brigade for training exercises.
- There were previous concerns and reports regarding the AMX-10RC's light armour, which made it vulnerable in direct combat situations on the front lines.
- It is unclear how these vehicles are being deployed in current operations, but their use in training suggests a more cautious approach is being taken.
Ukraine Ramps Up Domestic Missile and Ammunition Production
🎦 15:34-18:27⏩
- In an interview with the Washington Post, Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, revealed that Ukraine began producing missiles with a range exceeding 640 kilometres (400 miles) last month. This is part of a broader development of air defence systems similar to the American and Norwegian NASAMS.
- Ukraine is also developing its own NATO-standard 155mm artillery shells to address a critical ammunition shortage, with domestic production expected to begin in the latter half of 2024.
- The Ukrainian state defence munitions manufacturer, Ukroboronprom, has confirmed their involvement in the 155mm shell production. Joint ventures with Rheinmetall and two American firms, including General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS), aim to facilitate production.
- The Washington Post also reported Ukraine's progress in developing a domestic alternative to the HIMARS system, equipped with long-range missiles. It is unclear whether this refers to the previously mentioned 400-mile missile or a separate project.
- Ukraine is actively working to enhance its domestic ammunition and missile production capabilities, striving to decrease reliance on Western backers.
- During the summer of 2023, Ukroboronprom announced successful production of 82mm mortar bombs, 122mm and 152mm artillery rounds, and 125mm tank shells. Launching the production of NATO-calibre rounds remains a key objective.
Debate on Ukrainian Drone Advantage: Data vs. Frontline Reports
🎦 18:27-22:58⏩
- Jonathan addresses recent discussions regarding Ukraine's drone capabilities, referencing a prior analysis conducted with Daniela from 'Tochny' which indicated a Ukrainian advantage in drone usage across various categories, including targeting positions and engaging personnel and equipment.
- This contradicts anecdotal reports from individuals like Greg Terry, who, after speaking with commanders on the ground, suggest that Russian forces retain an advantage in drone warfare. Jonathan acknowledges the potential for localised disparities in drone usage along the frontline. Certain areas may indeed see Russian units with a temporary advantage, but the overall data suggests Ukraine has a significant edge.
- Jonathan highlights the limitations of anecdotal evidence and emphasizes the importance of considering broader trends and data analysis. While frontline experiences are valuable, they may not always reflect the overall situation.
- Jonathan concedes that Russian forces might still hold an advantage in specific areas, such as their use of loitering munitions.
Ukraine Acquires Significant Number of Kamikaze Drones
🎦 22:58-24:19⏩
- The 'Come Back Alive' foundation, a Ukrainian organisation, has acquired 3,000 night vision kamikaze drones equipped with thermal optics. These drones have a range of 12 to 20 kilometers and can carry up to 4 kilograms of explosives.
- Jonathan also notes the emergence of "double-tap" drones being used by Ukrainian forces. These drones employ a secondary detonator with an 8-hour self-destruct timer, designed to target individuals attempting to tamper with or investigate a downed drone. This innovative approach adds another layer to Ukraine's drone warfare tactics.
US Aid to Ukraine Stalled: Government Shutdown and Congressional Delays
🎦 24:19-28:07⏩
- The US Congress is facing a looming government shutdown deadline on March 22nd, leaving limited time to address aid for Ukraine. A scheduled two-week Easter recess further complicates the situation.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson assures that the focus will shift to additional aid for Ukraine once budget concerns are resolved. However, delays persist.
- Jonathan expresses distrust towards Mike Johnson and places blame on him, along with former President Trump and MAGA Republicans, for obstructing aid to Ukraine. He criticises Marjorie Taylor Greene for her stance against aid and her role in pressuring Mike Johnson.
- A discharge petition aimed at forcing a vote on supplemental aid, including support for Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel, has garnered increased support, reaching 185 votes out of the required 218. Notably, only Democrats have signed the petition.
- Jonathan doubts that including aid to Israel will garner more Democratic support, while Republicans remain reluctant to sign against their House Speaker, especially with upcoming elections.
Jake Sullivan Visits Kyiv, Reassures Ukraine of US Support
🎦 28:07-29:25⏩
- In a surprise visit to Kyiv, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan aimed to reassure Ukrainian officials of continued American support.
- Sullivan emphasized the US commitment to delivering aid and highlighted a recent $300 million package announced by the White House, which includes ammunition, air defence systems, and other critical supplies. However, no specific mention was made regarding ATACMS or other requested military equipment.
Lev Parnas Testifies on Russian Disinformation Campaign Targeting Biden
🎦 29:25-34:23⏩
- Jonathan shifts focus to Lev Parnas, who was initially involved in Republican efforts to gather damaging information on then-candidate Joe Biden related to Ukraine. Parnas has since come forward, alleging that he was manipulated by Russian intelligence and that the information regarding Biden was fabricated.
- Jonathan criticizes Fox News for cutting away from Parnas's testimony, highlighting their attempt to suppress information that contradicted their narrative.
- Parnas stated that all damaging information concerning the Bidens in Ukraine originated from Russia and Russian agents. This disinformation campaign fueled the impeachment proceedings against Biden and was intentionally spread by individuals aware of its falsehood.
- Parnas claims that figures like Congressman Pete Sessions, then-Congressman Devin Nunes, Senator Ron Johnson, John Solomon, Sean Hannity, and others knowingly promoted a false narrative, manipulating the public ahead of the 2020 elections.
- Jonathan argues that the Biden-Ukraine narrative and the current reluctance to provide aid to Ukraine are intertwined. The ongoing disinformation campaign serves to obstruct aid and hinder US support for Ukraine, ultimately benefiting Russia.
Hungary to Block EU Proposal on Using Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine
🎦 34:23-35:05⏩
- Hungary plans to block a European Commission proposal to utilize 90% of the proceeds from frozen Russian assets to purchase weapons for Ukraine.
- Jonathan asserts that Hungary, under the leadership of Viktor Orban, is acting as a proxy for Russia and deliberately obstructing efforts to support Ukraine.
Russia Announces Formation of Two New Ground Armies Amidst Mobilisation Concerns
🎦 35:05-37:12⏩
- Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has announced the creation of two new ground armies, consisting of 16 new brigades and 14 new divisions.
- The source of personnel for these new formations remains unclear, but there are growing concerns about a potential post-election mobilization in Russia.
- Jonathan speculates that this could escalate the conflict to a global scale, forcing the West to increase its support for Ukraine or risk a significant Russian military advantage.
- Jonathan expresses frustration with the US government's slow response in comparison to Europe, which has already begun to increase its military preparedness.
Wrap Up
🎦 37:12-37:20⏩
Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and signs off, mentioning he will be starting a live stream soon.
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