Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitical News
Table of Contents 📖
"You should ask how Russians, legal and illegal immigrants, feel about being used as tools to accomplish your megalomaniacal, narcissistic, kleptocratic dictator's imperial wet dream. Jesus effing Christ, mate. Have some moral perspective."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:28⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another video, apologising for the later than usual upload. He warns viewers that a couple of rants might be incoming!
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UK-led Operation Interflex Trains 33,000 Ukrainian Troops
🎦 00:28-01:03⏩
Jonathan reports that 33,000 Ukrainian soldiers, including Marines and Special Forces, have received training via Operation Interflex. This UK-led program is supported by other nations including New Zealand, Australia, Sweden and other Nordic countries.
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Sweden's Contribution to NATO's CAP Trust Fund
🎦 01:03-01:21⏩
Sweden has pledged $4.8 million to NATO's Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) Trust Fund, a fund intended to procure military aid for already planned projects lacking funding.
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Delay in Delivery of Promised Canadian NASAMS Air Defence Systems
🎦 01:21-02:39⏩
Despite a promise made last January by Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, to deliver a NASAMS air defence system to Ukraine, it has yet to be delivered. While President Zelenskyy thanked Trudeau for providing NASAMS systems and missiles, it remains unclear whether this referred to the promised 2023 delivery or new developments. Jonathan expresses some confusion surrounding the situation and asks any Canadians watching for further information. He also points out that Canada has sent $406 million to the U.S. in military aid, highlighting the benefits to the U.S.
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Spain to Deliver Adapted Armoured Ambulances
🎦 02:39-03:41⏩
Spain has announced plans to transfer adapted armoured medical ambulances to Ukraine, as confirmed by their Minister of Foreign Affairs. Jonathan acknowledges it's a positive step, but questions the overall quantity of equipment Spain can provide and compares it to the UK, which spends significantly on defence but lacks substantial reserves.
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Zelenskyy's Call for Faster Logistics
🎦 03:41-05:47⏩
Following a meeting with military leaders, Zelenskyy emphasised the need to accelerate the delivery of essential supplies, particularly shells and drones. Despite Ukraine's increased drone production capacity, Zelenskyy revealed that the government faces financial constraints in procuring all domestically manufactured drones. Jonathan suggests that allied nations facing depleted stockpiles could purchase these surplus drones, injecting funds into the Ukrainian economy while boosting their drone capabilities.
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Ukraine's Increased Drone Production & New Robotic Turrets
🎦 05:47-06:58⏩
Jonathan highlights Ukraine's successful efforts in ramping up drone production, citing the introduction of new drone types. This includes the 'Shalbaya' robotic turret system, which Ukraine's Digital Transformation Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, describes as an automated, bulletproof machine gun system allowing soldiers to engage enemies remotely. Jonathan praises the 'Army of Drones', a Ukrainian government-linked charitable initiative, for its efficient procurement of drones, training of crews, and provision of support vehicles.
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Michael Vice: EU Should Buy Ukrainian Drones
🎦 06:58-07:09⏩
Jonathan cites a tweet from Michael Vice, who suggests that the EU should purchase Ukrainian-made drones. Vice argues this wouldn't deplete existing Western inventories while supporting Ukrainian industries and ensuring battlefield competitiveness. Jonathan agrees with Vice's assessment.
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Iran Adapts Shahed-107 Drone with Advanced Targeting Technology
🎦 07:09-07:42⏩
According to Sky News, Iran has reportedly equipped its Shahed-107 drones with technology designed to target high-value assets such as British and American MLRS systems operated by Ukrainian forces. This drone variant boasts an extended operational range of 1500 km and enhanced reconnaissance capabilities. Jonathan also mentions the emergence of jet-powered Russian Shahed drones, highlighting their ongoing technological adaptation.
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Jonathan's Rant: U.S. Funding Impasse
🎦 07:42-14:53⏩
Jonathan embarks on his first rant, expressing frustration over the depletion of U.S. funding for Ukraine due to congressional inaction. He criticizes Republican lawmakers for delaying the allocation of $61 billion in aid, linking it to unrelated domestic issues such as border security and immigration policies. Jonathan condemns their stance as morally reprehensible, highlighting the urgency of the situation in Ukraine and emphasizing that American support serves U.S. strategic interests. He labels the Republican's attempts to leverage the war for domestic political gain as "disgusting" and accuses them of effectively aiding Putin's agenda. He expresses his annoyance at having to agree with David Cameron, who stated that support for Ukraine is a bipartisan issue in the UK, highlighting the UK's unwavering commitment to assisting Ukraine for many years to come.
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Scholz Urges Increased EU Military Support
🎦 16:55-17:45⏩
Jonathan reports that German Chancellor Scholz is urging EU members to ramp up military assistance to Ukraine. Scholz, critical of the level of support from France, Italy and Spain, is expected to use the upcoming EU summit to advocate for increased military aid. Jonathan acknowledges the positive rhetoric from France and Italy but stresses the need for action rather than words.
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New Polish Foreign Minister's Strong Stance
🎦 17:45-18:07⏩
Poland's new Foreign Minister has made a forceful statement, asserting that he envisions a European Union capable of confronting and "sending Putin to hell." Jonathan, highlighting the strength of this rhetoric, expresses hope that Donald Tusk's Polish government maintains its commitment to military support for Ukraine, despite a recent slowdown.
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Protests in Bucharest & Increased Ukrainian Exports via Romania
🎦 18:07-19:17⏩
Jonathan notes a protest in Bucharest, Romania, where demonstrators demand more weapons for Ukraine. He praises Romania's efforts in facilitating Ukrainian exports, citing a 50% increase (from 2 to 3 million tonnes) in monthly exports from Ukraine transiting through Romania. Zelenskyy, following a discussion with Romania's President, revealed ongoing negotiations to further expand export capacities, with a target of 4 million tonnes. Jonathan also mentions the newly established road route through Romania, which may concern Poland due to potential shifts in trade flows.
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Russia Attempts to Destabilise Moldova
🎦 19:17-19:54⏩
The Institute for the Study of War reports that Russian media is actively working to incite political unrest in Moldova, particularly by emboldening pro-Russian separatists in Transnistria (a breakaway region in Moldova). Jonathan, while acknowledging that such actions aren't new, emphasizes Russia's continued efforts to create geopolitical instability along the EU's borders.
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Zelenskyy's Baltic Tour & Estonian Support
🎦 19:54-21:16⏩
Zelenskyy has embarked on a tour of the Baltic states to rally support for Ukraine, focusing on enhancing security cooperation, EU and NATO integration, collaboration on electronic warfare and drone technology, and coordinating further European support. Jonathan points out that the Baltic states are already strong supporters of Ukraine. He reports that Estonia has committed to investing 0.25% of its GDP annually for the next four years to bolster Ukraine's defence capabilities. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stressed the need for sustained global advocacy to maintain support for Ukraine.
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Zelenskyy to Visit Switzerland
🎦 21:16-22:57⏩
Zelenskyy is expected to visit Switzerland in the coming week, a country known for its stance on neutrality and the presence of some Russian influence. He plans to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos and meet with Swiss government officials in Bern. This prompts Jonathan to reminisce about swimming in the fast-flowing Aare River in Bern.
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Zelenskyy Discusses EU & NATO Membership with Duda
🎦 22:57-24:17⏩
Zelenskyy had a phone call with Polish President Andrzej Duda. Thanking Poland for its unwavering support in advancing Ukraine's EU and NATO membership aspirations, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of a unified European border between the two countries. They also discussed securing continued EU financial and political support for Ukraine, preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, and the potential for Poland to join the G7 Vilnius Declaration, which focuses on providing security guarantees for Ukraine. Jonathan notes the slight political friction between Duda and the current Polish government.
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Zelenskyy: Sanctions are Working, Need to Close Loopholes
🎦 24:17-25:13⏩
Zelenskyy, while acknowledging that global sanctions against Russia are having a noticeable impact on Russia's defence capabilities, calls for a crackdown on any schemes that allow Russia to circumvent these sanctions. Jonathan finds it noteworthy that Zelenskyy admits the effectiveness of the sanctions.
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Secret Talks Held Between Ukraine, G7, Global South
🎦 25:13-26:19⏩
Citing a Bloomberg report, Jonathan reveals that Ukraine has participated in multiple secret talks regarding the war with representatives from G7 nations and countries within the Global South. These meetings, with the most recent held in Saudi Arabia in mid-December, involved national security advisors from Ukraine, G7 partner countries, India, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Representatives from China, Brazil, and the UAE have attended some of these meetings, although their participation hasn't been consistent. The talks focused on countering Russian propaganda that portrays Zelenskyy and his administration as unwilling to pursue a ceasefire. Discussions also revolved around Ukraine's conditions for a truce and potential future interactions with Moscow. Jonathan, acknowledging the significance of these revelations, leaves it to the viewers to ponder the implications.
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Damage to LNG Pipeline in Germany
🎦 26:19-26:46⏩
Construction on an LNG terminal in northern Germany has been disrupted after unknown individuals drilled eight holes in a pipeline section, causing an estimated 1.6 million euros in damage. The Federal Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation.
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U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
🎦 26:46-28:55⏩
Jonathan reports that U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and recently underwent surgery in late December. After experiencing complications, he was re-hospitalized. While Austin's initial surgery was publicly known, his re-hospitalization wasn't disclosed, sparking controversy in the U.S.. Jonathan, downplaying the significance of the situation, believes it's more important to ensure that the U.S. maintains its decision-making capabilities regarding the war in Ukraine. He wishes Austin a speedy recovery.
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Jonathan's Rant: Addressing Bad Faith Actors
🎦 28:55-33:40⏩
Jonathan launches into his second rant of the video, this time addressing what he perceives as bad faith arguments and Russian propaganda circulating online. He singles out a commenter named Caprera, who he believes has transitioned from asking challenging but good-faith questions to echoing pro-Putin talking points. Jonathan criticizes those who attempt to equate the actions of Ukraine defending itself with Russia's invasion. He condemns the commenter's rhetoric as "disgusting" and morally bankrupt, particularly their claim that Ukrainians are being "used as tools" to further the "geopolitical goals of the US empire." He expresses his frustration with those who try to justify Russia's actions and war crimes, emphasizing the importance of engaging in good-faith discussions. He asserts that anyone attempting to rationalize genocide and the atrocities committed by Russia is "morally reprehensible" and beyond the pale of reasonable discourse.
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Wrap up
🎦 33:40-34:29⏩
Jonathan encourages viewers to engage in good-faith dialogue and critical thinking.
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