Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"And it took the West 27 months to allow Ukraine to shoot 20km behind the frontline, mainly with Western artillery. What's wrong with our politicians? There is a massive asymmetry here and we are giving Russia so much leeway"
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:13⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to an afternoon update on the 2nd of June 2024.
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Oil refinery fire in Komi Republic, Russia
🎦 00:13-01:28⏩
Jonathan reports on a fire at the Lukoil Ukchtanneftpererobotka oil refinery in Ukhta, Komi Republic, Russia. Whilst the details are still emerging it appears an explosion preceeded the fire with initial reports suggesting there were 3 casualties. There are suggestions that this was caused by a drone attack (with some reports saying 2 people died). Jonathan highlights that if this transpires to be correct this would be a record for a Ukrainian drone given that Ukhta is almost 2,000km from Ukraine!
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France authorises use of SCALP-EG missiles to strike airfields in Kursk and Belgorod
🎦 01:28-02:51⏩
France has authorised Ukraine to use SCALP-EG (Storm Shadow) missiles to strike airfields in the Kursk and Belgorod regions of Russia. Jonathan highlights how significant this is as previously it was thought that this was restricted. He notes that whilst this is good news, it would be preferable to use cluster munitions or ATACMs for this type of target (as Storm Shadow missiles are expensive) in order to maximise damage.
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Belgium to send 30 F-16s to Ukraine but not for use in Russia
🎦 02:52-03:36⏩
Belgium has announced it will send 30 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, however, Ukraine will not be permitted to use them to strike targets within Russia. Jonathan expresses his frustration and dismay at this decision (Belgium and Italy are the only 2 countries to impose this restriction). He shares a comment from a viewer who says that Ukrainian soldiers are having to fight with "one arm tied behind their back" - an interesting observation given this latest news.
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Estonia allocates >1% of GDP to Ukraine
🎦 03:36-04:14⏩
Jonathan reports that Estonia has allocated more than 1% of its GDP to Ukraine, four times higher than the 0.25% target that has been suggested for all NATO countries. The Estonian PM Kaja Kallas believes that if all NATO countries did this, Ukraine would win the war. He praises Estonia's commitment.
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Sweden sends all remaining stock of PVV-302s to Ukraine
🎦 04:14-05:13⏩
Sweden has sent its remaining stock of PVV-302 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. There is some uncertainty about the precise number - Sweden originally purchased 600-650 but many will have been decommissioned/scrapped since then. Official figures suggest that 200 have been sent. Jonathan is unsure when they will arrive in Ukraine or how much work will be needed to make them battle ready but believes that this is significant and good news.
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Ukraine now producing most of its own drones
🎦 05:13-05:52⏩
Jonathan is encouraged by reports that almost all of the drones being used by Ukraine are now domestically produced - making them less reliant on other countries. He notes that ideally, Ukraine would manufacture all of its own equipment, meaning they would only be reliant on financing from other countries.
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North Korean Missile debris found in Ukraine
🎦 05:52-07:26⏩
A declassified Pentagon report has revealed that debris from North Korean missiles has been found in Ukraine, confirming suspicions that Russia has been using North Korean weapons. Jonathan shares details from the report from Reuters and United24. Jonathan is frustrated by the asymmetry in the war and how Russia seems to be able to act with impunity - using Iranian drones, Iranian missiles and North Korean missiles whilst Western allies deliberate over whether Ukraine can attack targets within Russia. Jonathan reads out a comment from a viewer who is equally frustrated: "And it took the West 27 months to allow Ukraine to shoot 20km behind the frontline, mainly with Western artillery. What's wrong with our politicians? There is a massive asymmetry here and we are giving Russia so much leeway". Jonathan agrees with the sentiment.
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Zelensky says China supplying Russia with Weapons Components
🎦 07:26-08:27⏩
Jonathan reports that Zelensky has been giving a number of interviews/briefings lately and hasn't been holding back. In a recent interview, he said that Ukraine has intelligence that suggests weapons components are being supplied to Russia, via China.
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Russia unveils new kamikaze UGV
🎦 08:27-08:55⏩
Jonathan reports that Russia has unveiled its first FPV (first-person view) kamikaze Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV). He remarks that the use of UGVs is increasing.
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Update on Russian MTLB stockpiles
🎦 08:55-10:42⏩
Jonathan gives an update on the status of Russian MTLB (Multi-Purpose Fully Amphibious Auxiliary Armoured Tracked Vehicle) stockpiles. In a previous video, Jonathan was sceptical that there would be many left. Viewers provided updates from open source intelligence (OSINT) research that confirms very few are left, if any. Jonathan thanks "Jompi" for his analysis.
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Update on Alan Doherty
🎦 10:42-11:52⏩
Jonathan provides an update on Alan Doherty - a much-loved member of his online community who has been unwell. Alan, an ex-soldier, recently suffered an epileptic fit and has been in a coma. There is positive news, however, as his partner has revealed that he has woken up. It seems that Alan is a big fan of Jonathan's videos, and they have been playing them to him whilst he has been in a coma. Jonathan is clearly moved by this and thanks Alan's partner.
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Wrap up
🎦 11:52-12:11⏩
Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and asks them to subscribe. He then signs off - he's off to an 80th birthday party.
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