Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"My view is that Russia is perilously close to capitulating and they've only been given a lifeline by North Korea. They've now been given a lifeline by freaking Trump and the US incoming administration."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:11⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to the second part of his Ukraine War Update, focusing on military aid. He starts by discussing the proposed plans for Ukraine by the incoming Trump administration, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
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US: Proposed Trump Ukraine Plan (Wall Street Journal)
🎦 00:11-01:08⏩
- The Wall Street Journal has reported on the Trump administration's proposed plan for Ukraine, which involves limiting arms supply until Ukraine agrees to negotiate with Russia.
- Under this plan, Ukraine would only be able to reclaim territories through diplomacy and would not receive direct US military support or funding for peacekeeping efforts.
- Jonathan believes that if this plan is implemented, Ukraine's chances of success are slim as they are heavily reliant on US support.
- He acknowledges that this information is based on reports and may not reflect the final decisions of the Trump administration.
- Jonathan highlights the difficult position this puts Trump supporters who also support Ukraine in, given the potential consequences of the proposed plan.
Jonathan's Analogy: Trump's Proposed Ukraine Plan
🎦 01:08-03:57⏩
Jonathan uses an analogy to illustrate the potential consequences of the Trump administration's proposed Ukraine plan:
- He compares the situation to a neighbour (representing Russia) forcefully occupying part of another neighbour's house (representing Ukraine).
- The police (representing the US), instead of evicting the intruder, propose that the homeowner gives up the occupied part of their house in exchange for peace.
- Jonathan argues that this sets a dangerous precedent and rewards aggression.
- He questions the fairness of forcing the victim of an invasion to cede territory for the sake of peace.
US: Proposed Trump Ukraine Plan (Wall Street Journal)
🎦 03:57-06:10⏩
- Jonathan continues discussing the Wall Street Journal article which alleges that the Trump plan aims to freeze the conflict, solidifying Russia's control of 20% of Ukraine.
- Trump's plan includes a demilitarized zone along the current front line, with European peacekeepers but no US involvement, essentially leaving Europe to handle the aftermath.
- He expresses his anger and frustration over this approach, particularly in light of Trump's personal history and the perceived hypocrisy of those who supported him.
- Jonathan questions the message this sends globally if a country can invade another and be rewarded with territory.
US/Europe: Jonathan's Reaction to Trump's Proposed Plan
🎦 06:10-07:10⏩
- Jonathan expresses his anger towards the US and suggests that Europe might be distancing itself, taking on the responsibility the US is seemingly trying to abdicate.
- He speculates about potential frustration within the US Department of Defense regarding this approach. He names individuals like Kellogg and Waltz who are in line for key security positions within the Trump administration.
US: Biden to Rush $6bn Ukraine Aid (Politico)
🎦 07:10-10:02⏩
- Jonathan discusses a Politico report stating that the Biden administration plans to expedite the remaining $6 billion in security aid to Ukraine before Trump's inauguration.
- The goal is to deliver as much aid as possible before Trump potentially halts further assistance.
- Jonathan questions why the Biden administration would need to rush this aid if they weren't concerned about the potential actions of the incoming Trump administration.
- He criticizes Biden's previous slow approach to aid and expresses concern over the potential ramifications of a Trump presidency on Ukraine's ability to defend itself.
Sweden: $9.3m Civil Defence Aid to Ukraine
🎦 10:02-10:31⏩
- Jonathan shifts to other aid news, reporting that Sweden's Minister of Civil Defence, Karl Oskar Bolin, has announced a 100 million Swedish krona ($9.3 million) aid package for Ukraine.
- The package includes two patrol boats, 24 passenger cars, a minibus, personal protective equipment from the Swedish Coast Guard, and 40,000 protective masks with filters.
Lithuania: Facilitating Arms Procurement for Ukraine
🎦 10:31-10:53⏩
- Lithuania's cabinet has decided to ease the process of purchasing weapons for Ukraine.
- Amendments to the law concerning Category A weapons will support EU projects for Ukraine, enabling the Central Project Management Agency to handle procurement.
Ukraine: Hrym-2 Ballistic Missile Possibly Ready
🎦 10:53-11:29⏩
- Jonathan mentions reports about a Ukrainian ballistic missile, potentially the Hrym-2, being ready for operational deployment.
- He notes that he's unsure if this is the same missile program he previously discussed, which was expected to be ready in mid-2025.
- Jonathan expresses hope that the reports are accurate, as Ukraine needs the capability to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting airbases and weapon depots.
Ukraine: UAT Teaser Armoured Vehicle
🎦 11:29-12:27⏩
- The Ukrainian armed forces will be equipped with a new domestically produced armored vehicle called the UAT Teaser.
- This versatile vehicle can be adapted for various missions by installing different equipment.
- It is built on the chassis of a well-known off-road vehicle, equipped with a specially designed armored capsule for crew protection.
- The UAT Teaser features a turret for a machine gun and a mine protection system that can withstand explosions under the wheels and underside.
- It boasts excellent performance, off-road capabilities, a smooth ride, and a range of 1,000 km on a full tank of fuel.
Ukraine: Increased Domestic Weapons Production
🎦 12:27-12:57⏩
- Jonathan highlights Ukraine's overall increase in domestic weapons production, with both private and state-owned companies manufacturing various military equipment.
- This includes drones, electronic warfare systems, ammunition, and armoured vehicles.
- He also mentions Ukraine's advancing missile program, citing Zelenskyy's announcement in August about the successful use of the Polyansk drone missile.
- Jonathan notes that Ukraine is also actively developing its own ballistic weapons.
South Korea: May Supply Arms to Ukraine
🎦 12:57-13:15⏩
- According to their president, South Korea might provide arms to Ukraine, with their level of support contingent on North Korea's involvement in the conflict.
- Jonathan hopes for a swift decision from South Korea.
France: Motion to Lift Restrictions on Long-Range Weapons
🎦 13:15-13:53⏩
- Jonathan discusses a motion proposed in the French parliament by Frédéric Petit, aiming to remove restrictions on the use of long-range weapons supplied to Ukraine.
- The motion emphasizes the need to provide Ukraine with the means to defend itself and prevent further loss of life.
Poland: $750m Investment to Increase Ammunition Production
🎦 13:53-14:08⏩
- Poland plans to invest 3 billion zlotys ($750 million) in boosting ammunition production.
- Jonathan acknowledges that it's unclear if this will directly benefit Ukraine, but he believes any increase in European ammunition production is generally positive for Ukraine.
EU: Shortened Training for Ukrainian Troops
🎦 14:08-14:36⏩
- Western countries have been forced to reduce the duration of EU-based training for Ukrainian troops due to the war's demands.
- Jonathan expresses concern, believing this highlights a shortage of personnel for Ukraine and is not a good sign.
Russia: High Casualty Rates and Low Morale
🎦 14:36-17:24⏩
- Jonathan references earlier discussions about the vulnerability of aircraft on the front line and their short life expectancy. He reads a report from Russian blogger, Kasia Revova, about the dire situation faced by Russian assault soldiers:
- Assault soldiers on the front line often have a life expectancy of just two weeks to a month.
- The cost to the Russian government per soldier is estimated to be between 6 and 12 million rubles, but their effectiveness is minimal.
- The report highlights how the perception of assault soldiers has shifted from elite professionals to untrained and ill-equipped troops.
- Being assigned to assault units is now seen as a punishment, and soldiers are often sent back into combat while still recovering from injuries.
- Revova cites examples of soldiers who signed contracts and were declared missing or killed within days, indicating inadequate training and preparation.
Jonathan: Russia Close to Capitulation
🎦 17:24-18:16⏩
- Jonathan interprets Revova's report as a damning indictment of the Russian military.
- He expresses his belief that Russia is on the verge of capitulation, with only North Korea and now potentially the US (through Trump's policies) offering them a lifeline.
- He argues that now is the time to increase pressure on Russia and provide Ukraine with all necessary support.
- He criticizes the US for potentially forcing Ukraine into negotiations and territorial concessions.
Wrap up
🎦 18:16-18:21⏩
Jonathan expresses his frustration with the situation, announces his need for a cup of tea, and ends the video.
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