Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News

"Drones potentially are getting to a point where they can replace artillery ammunition. And if Ukraine has the drones more than they have the artillery ammunition, then this is a good sign going forward."

Hello Team🎦 00:00-02:13⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics update, noting it's the third one for the day, including a breaking news segment. He revisits the drone attacks on Russian and occupied Crimean ports—Sevastopol and Novorossiysk, home to the Black Sea Fleet. He had predicted military targets would be hit, and new claims from unnamed sources confirm this.

Return to top⤴️

Denmark's substantial military aid package for Ukraine🎦 02:13-03:10⏩

Denmark announces a significant aid package for Ukraine totalling $816 million, bolstering their already top position on the aid tracker. This package includes $350 million allocated to strengthening air defence, funding for future F-16 transfers, additional artillery, shells, and anti-tank mines.

Return to top⤴️

Germany's role in bolstering Ukraine's air defence with Patriot batteries🎦 03:10-05:15⏩

Jonathan discusses Germany's efforts in bolstering Ukraine's air defence through the IAAD initiative. Denmark will contribute $134 million to purchase a German Patriot battery, adding to contributions from the Netherlands and Belgium. It's unclear if Denmark will support a third battery donation or finance a fourth sale to Ukraine. Jonathan expresses uncertainty about the specifics but acknowledges Germany's significant role in securing Patriot batteries for Ukraine while other nations lag behind.

Return to top⤴️

Germany in talks with Switzerland and Lithuania regarding aid for Ukraine🎦 05:15-06:23⏩

Jonathan highlights Germany's ongoing discussions with Switzerland about supplying Ukraine with purchased but undelivered Patriot batteries. However, a potential transfer wouldn't happen for several years and requires external financing. He draws a parallel with Germany persuading Egypt to relinquish its IRIS-T SLM systems for Ukraine, resulting in two systems with unique camouflage. While some view this as a positive step, others, including Jonathan, believe procuring new Patriot batteries more urgently would be more beneficial for Ukraine.

Return to top⤴️

Austria creates a special fund to aid Ukraine economically🎦 06:23-09:48⏩

Austria, despite its neutrality, establishes a €500 million fund to support exports, investments, and businesses in Ukraine, addressing the country's economic downturn. Jonathan reiterates his stance on neutral countries' contributions: as long as their financial aid matches potential military aid, it balances out and benefits Ukraine. He argues that unless neutral countries possess stockpiles of readily available equipment, their financial contributions are equally valuable.

Return to top⤴️

France increases monthly artillery shell delivery to Ukraine🎦 09:48-11:53⏩

Jonathan reports that France has reached its target of supplying 4,000 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine monthly, aiming to increase it to 5,000 by year-end. He acknowledges this is significantly less than US production but notes France's focus on quality over quantity. Jonathan ponders whether France can increase production further but highlights that every contribution adds to the overall support Ukraine receives. He emphasizes that even though France's contribution seems small compared to US output, it's important to consider their potential contributions in other areas.

Return to top⤴️

Zelensky's comments on artillery shell supply and the effectiveness of drones vs. artillery🎦 11:53-18:19⏩

Jonathan discusses Zelensky's statement that, for the first time, no brigades are complaining about artillery shell shortages, attributing it to increased production. Jonathan remains sceptical, believing that shell hunger likely persists and that Zelensky might be referring to improved supply chains. He analyses a video of Russian tanks destroyed in Kursk, noting that while artillery misses the targets, FPV drones effectively neutralize them. Jonathan posits that drones, potentially more readily available and cost-effective than artillery shells, could become a viable alternative for Ukraine in certain combat situations, particularly against mechanized equipment. He highlights the evolving role of drones in warfare and their potential to supplement traditional artillery, especially given Ukraine's ongoing shell needs.

Return to top⤴️

Debate on using US-supplied weapons to strike Russian territory🎦 18:19-22:06⏩

Jonathan expresses his frustration with the lack of change in the US policy prohibiting Ukraine from using US-supplied weapons to strike Russian territory, even though Russia employs Iranian and North Korean weapons. He sees this as the US conceding an advantage to Russia and criticizes the Pentagon's stance as being overly cautious and influenced by Cold War thinking. Jonathan believes that allowing Ukraine to strike Russian territory would not constitute escalation, considering Russia's use of foreign-sourced weapons within Ukraine. He questions the reasoning behind the decision and speculates that it stems from a fear of escalation shared by the Pentagon, the Biden administration, or both.

Return to top⤴️

New UK-developed audio weapon for countering drones and military vehicles🎦 22:06-24:52⏩

Jonathan discusses a new UK-developed weapon, using audio waves, designed to counter drones and military vehicles. He highlights its cost-effectiveness at 10 pence per shot and a range of one kilometer. This innovative technology, developed by DSTL, utilizes high-energy radio waves to disrupt and destroy targets' electronics. Jonathan expresses hope for its deployment in Ukraine and praises the UK's commitment to cutting-edge defence technology, especially for countering drone swarms. He sees this as a game-changer with potential applications on naval vessels and commercial ships.

Return to top⤴️

NATO potentially sending troops to Ukraine🎦 24:52-25:12⏩

Jonathan shares a report from The New York Times suggesting that NATO allies are considering sending troops to Ukraine for training purposes. This potential move represents another shift in previously established red lines and risks drawing the US and Europe more directly into the conflict.

Return to top⤴️

Russia nationalises major ammunition plant and investigates corruption🎦 25:12-27:46⏩

Jonathan reports the nationalization of one of Russia's largest ammunition plants, Klimovsky, located in the Moscow region. This follows alleged corruption and embezzlement of company shares. He speculates that the Kremlin is seizing control of strategically important private businesses, citing corruption as a pretext. Jonathan believes the Kremlin maintains records of such activities, using them strategically to nationalize businesses during critical periods like the ongoing war. He views this as indicative of underlying problems within the Russian economy and a sign that the war is not progressing as favorably as they portray.

Return to top⤴️

Russian FPV pilot reveals drone supply chain issues🎦 27:46-29:43⏩

Jonathan discusses the revelation by a Russian FPV pilot on live TV that only 10-15% of his drone supply comes from the Ministry of Defence's initiative. This contradicts previous claims of high drone production rates in Russia. Jonathan sees this as evidence that Russia's drone program might be significantly less robust than claimed, relying heavily on volunteer organizations and private companies to supplement their supply.

Return to top⤴️

Sri Lanka investigates nationals fighting for Russia🎦 29:43-31:50⏩

Jonathan reports that Sri Lanka will send a delegation to Russia to investigate the reported involvement of its citizens fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian forces. He draws parallels to confirmed cases of mercenaries from Nepal, Cuba, and the Cape Verde Islands joining Russia's ranks, highlighting Russia's recruitment tactics targeting foreign nationals to bolster their forces and minimize domestic dissent. Jonathan notes that this method allows Russia to avoid public scrutiny and potential internal backlash when foreign fighters are killed in action.

Return to top⤴️

Western components found in Russian weapons🎦 31:50-32:42⏩

Jonathan highlights the prevalence of Western-made components in Russian weapons, citing an infographic revealing the percentage of components sourced from various countries, including the US (64%), Germany (18%), the Netherlands (7%), Switzerland (7%), and Taiwan (4%). He criticizes the hypocrisy of this situation and questions the lack of political will to curb such component exports.

Return to top⤴️

The poor quality of some Russian military equipment🎦 32:42-33:31⏩

Jonathan points to the poor quality of some Russian military equipment, using the example of rudimentary earplugs consisting of rolled-up paper provided to soldiers operating anti-tank grenade launchers. He contrasts this with the sophisticated Western components found in their weapons, implying inconsistency and potential resource challenges within the Russian military supply chain.

Return to top⤴️

Wrap up🎦 33:31-33:35⏩

Jonathan wraps up the video with his signature sign-off, thanking viewers for watching, asking them to like, subscribe, and share the video. He bids farewell and promises to return with more updates soon.

Return to top⤴️