Ukraine War Update NEWS: Geopolitical News
Table of Contents 📖
"We are not paid for we hate you for free"
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-01:33⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to the Greymoor News Update, part three, for February 18th, 2024. He mentions his recent interview on the Jonathan Thinks Silicon Curtain channel, discussing his experiences in Ukraine. He encourages viewers to check it out when it's released. He also mentions an article he wrote for Only Sky, reflecting on his role, the war, and his experiences in Curzon. He encourages viewers to read and share the article, providing a link in the description. Jonathan shares that he's recovering from a trip to Ukraine, feeling slightly unwell.
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Munich Security Conference
🎦 01:35-07:10⏩
Jonathan discusses the Munich Security Conference, highlighting key points from speeches and meetings.
- Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, participated in the CSU Transatlantic Forum, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine in the new European security architecture and calling for more decisive action from partners. Jonathan acknowledges Klitschko's leadership under pressure.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba met with US Secretary of State Blinken, discussing ammunition, air defense, and long-range capabilities. Kuleba expressed gratitude for US support, acknowledging its significant impact on hindering Russia's progress.
- German Chancellor Scholz's speech stressed the need for deterrence against Russia, reaffirming NATO's strength while stating that NATO troops would not be sent to Ukraine. Jonathan mentions rumors of potential NATO Secretary General candidates, including Ursula von der Leyen and David Cameron. Scholz reportedly prefers a more neutral candidate to avoid division within NATO. He also highlighted Germany's commitment to strengthening its defense, exceeding the 2% GDP target and deploying a brigade to Lithuania, which has sparked mixed reactions.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky's address urged recognizing Putin as an illegitimate leader, emphasizing the global threat posed by Russia's disregard for international rules. He highlighted the insurgency in Russia and Putin's reliance on Iran and North Korea, underscoring the need to defeat Putin to avoid global repercussions. He also mentioned Ukraine's arms shortage and Russia's disregard for human life, citing the Avdiivka offensive.
- Zelensky spoke about new security agreements being forged, emphasizing their long-term benefits.
- Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, reportedly on a Kremlin hit list, urged decisive action against Putin, emphasizing the need to learn from history and prevent aggression from spreading. Jonathan criticizes the normalization of such threats and lack of adequate response.
- Denmark pledged all its artillery and ammunition to Ukraine, prompting Jonathan to advocate for similar actions from allied nations, urging them to send desperately needed equipment to Ukraine while replenishing their stocks.
Moldova: Echoes of Ukraine?
🎦 09:40-10:02⏩
Jonathan discusses the Kremlin's concerning statements regarding Moldova, drawing parallels to rhetoric used before the Ukraine invasion. Russia cites the need to protect 200,000 Russian citizens in Transnistria, raising concerns about a potential escalation of tensions and possible military action.
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Polish Farmers Blockade Ukraine Border
🎦 10:02-11:47⏩
Jonathan addresses the Polish farmers' blockade at the Ukrainian border, acknowledging the delicate balance faced by the Polish government. He explains that while supporting Ukraine is crucial, addressing the concerns of farmers and hauliers, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate, is equally important for Prime Minister Tusk's coalition government. Jonathan hopes for a swift resolution.
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Ukraine's Goals in Sudan
🎦 11:47-13:13⏩
Jonathan discusses Ukraine's potential involvement in Sudan, citing The Economist. He outlines two possible objectives: disrupting the flow of gold from Wagner Group operations and utilizing Sudan as a transit point for weapons procurement. Jonathan notes the importance of these efforts in hindering Russia's war funding and bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities. He acknowledges the debate surrounding Ukrainian special forces operating in Africa, highlighting the strategic importance of targeting Russia's financial sources.
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Matt Gaetz Ethics Investigation
🎦 13:13-15:23⏩
Jonathan delves into the potential consequences of US Representative Matt Gaetz's ethics investigation, specifically its implications for Ukraine. He explains that Gaetz, a staunch opponent of Ukraine aid, faces serious allegations of sex trafficking. Jonathan believes Gaetz's removal from office would be positive for Ukraine, as it reduces opposition to aid. He notes the shrinking Republican majority in the House and the possibility of Democrats gaining a seat if Gaetz is expelled.
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US Public Opinion on Ukraine Aid
🎦 15:23-16:07⏩
Jonathan discusses a poll designed to demonstrate weakening US public support for Ukraine. Ironically, the poll, conducted by the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, revealed the opposite: strong and continued support for aiding Ukraine.
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Alexei Navalny's Death and its Implications
🎦 16:07-20:17⏩
Jonathan delves into the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the truth. He highlights suspicious circumstances surrounding Navalny's death, including the deactivation of surveillance equipment and the suspiciously swift announcement by Russian media. Jonathan argues that the authorities' refusal to release Navalny's body suggests foul play, as telltale signs of poisoning are likely present. Jonathan criticizes Tucker Carlson's pro-Russia stance, drawing a stark contrast between the consequences of opposing a president in Russia and the US. While Navalny faced imprisonment and death for his dissent, Carlson profits immensely from criticizing the US government. Despite this, Carlson expresses admiration for Russia. Jonathan commends U2 frontman Bono for honoring Navalny during a concert by chanting his name, defying Putin's attempts to erase his memory. He acknowledges Navalny's flaws and evolving political views but recognizes his bravery in challenging the regime and advocating for a reformed Russia. Jonathan concludes by lamenting Navalny's tragic fate.
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Sanctions Circumvention: China and EU Use Armenia to Supply Russia
🎦 20:17-21:45⏩
Jonathan highlights the increasing flow of goods from China and the EU to Russia via Armenia, circumventing sanctions. He cites a graph illustrating a dramatic increase in exports to Russia since the war began. Jonathan notes that this trend, observed in other countries like Kyrgyzstan, benefits Armenia economically but poses a significant challenge in effectively pressuring Russia. He expresses concern about the lack of solutions to counter this sanctions-busting tactic, particularly regarding components used in Russian weaponry.
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Mondelez Overhauls Russian Operations
🎦 21:47-22:14⏩
Jonathan welcomes the news of Mondelez, the US-based food manufacturer of Oreo and Cadbury's, revamping its operations in Russia due to boycotts and shareholder pressure. He expresses hope for positive outcomes stemming from this decision.
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Pussy Riot Protest
🎦 22:14-23:53⏩
Jonathan discusses a protest organized by Pussy Riot, a Russian protest group now in exile, in front of the Russian embassy in Berlin. The protest featured a banner declaring "Murderer" and included prominent figures like Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Lyubov Sobol, and Marina Ovsyannikova. He admires the creativity of protest placards, recalling those seen during Trump's visit to the UK. Jonathan concludes by highlighting the authenticity of the protest, emphasizing that the participants were not paid Russian trolls but individuals genuinely outraged by the Russian government's actions.
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Wrap up
🎦 23:53-24:20⏩
Jonathan thanks viewers for watching, encouraging them to like, subscribe, and share the video. He expresses gratitude for the support and mentions his ongoing efforts to catch up on his backlog. He reminds viewers to read his Only Sky article, "Kristen by Night," before signing off.
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