Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitical News. And Rant.

"The history books aren't going to be all that bothered about what goes on in the southern border of the US. History books are going to be a lot more bothered with what happens in Ukraine with Russia because geopolitically that dictates what takes place next in the world."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:09⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATPG (A Tippling Philosopher Geopolitics) video, a Ukraine War News Update, the second part for the 25th of January 2024.

Return to top⤴️

Germany Proposes Taurus Missile Swap with UK to Aid Ukraine

🎦 00:09-03:06⏩

Germany is considering a deal with the UK to supply Taurus KPD 350 missiles in exchange for the UK sending more Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. Jonathan sees this as a win-win situation, allowing the UK to upgrade its military while providing Ukraine with much-needed weapons. He argues that providing aid to Ukraine is an investment in Western militaries. However, some analysts believe Germany should be directly supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, rather than through a swap deal with the UK.

Return to top⤴️

Germany Sends Sea King Helicopters to Ukraine

🎦 03:06-04:13⏩

Germany will be sending six Westland Sea King helicopters from its Bundeswehr stocks to Ukraine in April 2024. These older helicopters will be used for transportation and logistical purposes, and the delivery includes a comprehensive package of equipment, spare parts, flight support, and technical training. Ukraine has a significant need for helicopters, and this delivery is welcomed.

Return to top⤴️

Poland Donates Medical Helicopter to Ukraine

🎦 04:13-05:16⏩

Poland has donated a new Mi-2AM1 medivac helicopter to Ukrainian intelligence. The helicopter, equipped for in-flight medical care, can transport three lightly wounded or one critical patient. Jonathan shares a humorous anecdote about being airlifted off a rugby pitch after a back injury.

Return to top⤴️

Ukraine Prepares for F-16 Deployment

🎦 05:16-06:08⏩

While partners are ready to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, Ukraine acknowledges that challenges remain before the aircraft can be effectively deployed. Air Force spokesman Yuri Ihnat states that preparations are not yet complete, highlighting the need for pilot training, infrastructure development, and engineering support. Premature deployment would make the F-16s easy targets for Russian forces.

Return to top⤴️

Eric Schmidt Develops AI Combat Drones for Ukraine

🎦 06:08-10:27⏩

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has secretly established a new drone startup called "White Stalker," operating in both the US and Ukraine. The company is developing mass-producible drones that utilize AI for visual targeting and can operate in GPS-jammed environments. Schmidt, a prominent figure in the tech industry with ties to US national security, has been actively involved in supporting Ukraine's defense efforts. He has invested in Ukrainian startup accelerators, toured factories and testing ranges, and met with top Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, to discuss the development and deployment of these AI combat drones.

Return to top⤴️

Ukraine Employs Scout Drones with AI for Autonomous Strikes

🎦 10:27-11:26⏩

Independent of Schmidt's project, Ukrainian forces are already utilizing scout drones equipped with artificial intelligence for autonomous strikes on Russian troops. These drones, featured in a video analyzed by Forbes, demonstrate advanced target recognition capabilities and can independently select and engage targets without direct operator input, highlighting the growing role of AI in modern warfare. However, Russia is also known to be developing and deploying AI-powered drones.

Return to top⤴️

Kyiv Mayor Donates FPV Drones to Ukrainian Military

🎦 11:26-12:04⏩

Vitali Klitschko, the Mayor of Kyiv, has personally donated 50 FPV (First Person View) drones to the 42nd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This donation, made on the Brigade's founding day, aims to bolster their capabilities and provide support in their fight against Russian forces.

Return to top⤴️

Latvia Sends Confiscated Cars to Ukraine

🎦 12:04-12:46⏩

Latvia will transfer 14 cars confiscated from drunk drivers to Ukraine, continuing their program of repurposing impounded vehicles for military use. While these cars can help disguise troop movements, they are vulnerable targets near the frontline.

Return to top⤴️

Denmark Provides Cyber Defense Aid Package to Ukraine

🎦 12:46-13:12⏩

Denmark announces a $13.2 million cyber defense aid package for Ukraine, recognizing the importance of cyberwarfare in the modern battlefield. This aid will bolster Ukraine's cyber defenses against Russian attacks.

Return to top⤴️

Hungary to Lift Veto on EU Aid to Ukraine

🎦 13:12-13:25⏩

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will lift his veto on a €50 billion EU aid package to Ukraine. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen confirms that the EU has received a positive signal from Hungary regarding this issue. This development is crucial, particularly in light of potential delays in US aid.

Return to top⤴️

Jonathan's Concerns About US Aid and the 2024 Election

🎦 13:25-15:55⏩

Jonathan expresses concern about the potential for delays in US aid to Ukraine, suggesting it may not arrive until November and could be completely halted if Donald Trump wins the 2024 election. He emphasizes the gravity of the situation, highlighting the widespread concern among international observers and Ukrainians themselves that a second Trump presidency could have dire consequences for Ukraine's war effort. Jonathan acknowledges that his criticism of Trump may upset some viewers but believes it's crucial to discuss the potential implications of US politics on the Ukraine war. He defends his stance, stating that he finds Trump's behavior and policies dangerous, particularly in the context of international relations. He cites Trump's history of sexual abuse allegations, defamation lawsuits, and questionable statements regarding Ukraine and Putin as evidence of his unsuitability for office.

Return to top⤴️

EU Prepares New Sanctions Against Russia

🎦 15:55-16:14⏩

The EU is preparing new sanctions against Russia to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the invasion on February 24th. These sanctions will target individuals and entities and potentially include the allocation of €5 billion to Ukraine from frozen Russian assets.

Return to top⤴️

Latvia Calls for Ban on Russian Grain Imports

🎦 16:14-16:32⏩

Latvian President Egils Levits advocates for a complete ban on Russian grain imports, citing both political and economic justifications for this stance.

Return to top⤴️

Germany and Ukraine Near Completion of Security Pact

🎦 16:32-17:05⏩

Germany and Ukraine are finalizing a security pact similar to the one signed with the UK, aiming to provide long-term security assurances to Ukraine. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed concerns that the financial assistance provided by the EU this year is insufficient and calls for increased defense support from allied nations.

Return to top⤴️

Biden Urges Congress to Approve F-16 Sales to Turkey

🎦 17:57-18:02⏩
, 18:07-18:47⏩

President Biden has urged Congress to approve the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. This move is widely seen as a concession to secure Turkey's approval of Sweden's bid to join NATO. Jonathan suggests that Turkey's stance on Sweden's NATO membership, including the recent Quran-burning incident, was primarily a tactic to leverage concessions from the US.

Return to top⤴️

Houthi Missile Attacks Disrupt Shipping in the Red Sea

🎦 18:47-20:06⏩

Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched anti-ship ballistic missiles at two US-flagged cargo ships in the Red Sea. In response to the attacks, shipping giant Maersk has suspended all transits through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, highlighting the vulnerability of global trade routes and the far-reaching consequences of regional conflicts.

Return to top⤴️

UK General Warns Citizens to Prepare for Potential War with Russia

🎦 20:06-22:21⏩

The UK's Chief of the General Staff has warned that British citizens should prepare for a potential war with Russia, suggesting that the current generation is living in a "pre-war" period. Jonathan questions the likelihood of a conventional war between Russia and NATO, arguing that any conflict would likely involve nuclear threats and brinkmanship. He shares an anecdote about a conversation with friends, including a former Royal Engineer, who share his concerns about the escalating tensions between Russia and the West.

Return to top⤴️

North Korea Tests New Cruise Missile, Rejects Unification with South Korea

🎦 22:21-22:55⏩

North Korea has test-fired a new strategic cruise missile, further escalating tensions in the region. Additionally, Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed North Korea's stance that unification with South Korea is not a current objective, emphasizing the ongoing state of war between the two nations.

Return to top⤴️

Pentagon Reveals Cost of US Military Buildup in the Middle East

🎦 22:55-23:34⏩

The US military buildup in the Middle East since Hamas's October 7th attacks on Israel has cost $1.6 billion. Due to the ongoing budget impasse in Congress, the Pentagon is currently unable to cover these costs. This situation further highlights the widespread impact of the legislative gridlock in Washington. Jonathan contrasts the current situation with the war in Ukraine, noting that the lack of direct US military involvement in Ukraine should make aid approval less politically charged.

Return to top⤴️

Jonathan Rants About the US Congressional Impasse and its Global Implications

🎦 23:34-29:53⏩

Jonathan expresses frustration and anger about the impasse in the US Congress regarding both aid to Ukraine and immigration reform. He argues that the current situation makes the US appear weak and divided on the world stage, potentially emboldening adversaries like China. He criticizes Republicans for linking Ukraine aid to immigration reform, particularly as they appear unwilling to compromise on the latter, jeopardizing both issues. He suggests that some Republicans prioritize securing a political advantage in the 2024 election over addressing pressing national and international issues. Jonathan argues that failing to provide aid to Ukraine will have far-reaching consequences, emboldening Russia and potentially leading to further conflict in Europe and Asia. He urges viewers to consider the broader geopolitical implications of US domestic politics, emphasizing that a failure to support Ukraine will have global repercussions. He calls out the hypocrisy of some Republicans who blame the Democrats for the lack of progress on Ukraine aid, arguing that they are the ones who created the impasse in the first place. He believes that some Republicans are content to "throw Ukraine under the bus" for political expediency, warning that such actions will have consequences for US credibility and the security of its allies worldwide.

Return to top⤴️

Senate Explores Decoupling Ukraine Aid and Immigration Reform

🎦 29:53-38:12⏩

There is a glimmer of hope as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell explores the possibility of separating Ukraine funding from border security reforms in an attempt to break the legislative deadlock. Jonathan questions whether this separation is feasible but acknowledges it might be the only way to secure much-needed aid for Ukraine. Jonathan expresses skepticism about the likelihood of the REPO Act, which aims to seize Russian assets to fund Ukraine, providing timely assistance. He argues that the legal challenges and potential delays associated with this approach make it a far from ideal solution. He also highlights the internal power struggles within the Republican Party, particularly Trump's attempts to undermine Nikki Haley's presidential campaign by threatening her donors. Jonathan criticizes Trump's behavior as childish and vindictive, lamenting the lack of statesmanship and nuance in his approach to politics.

Return to top⤴️

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Approves REPO Act

🎦 38:12-41:32⏩

Despite its limitations, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has advanced the REPO Act, which would allow the seizure of Russian assets to fund Ukraine. This bipartisan bill passed with a 20-1 vote, demonstrating strong support for holding Russia accountable and providing for Ukraine's long-term needs. However, experts warn of potential legal challenges and predict that implementation could take years.

Return to top⤴️

Trump's Influence Threatens Ukraine Aid and US Foreign Policy

🎦 41:32-44:10⏩

Jonathan reiterates his concerns about Donald Trump's influence over the Republican Party, arguing that his "America First" rhetoric undermines US global leadership and could embolden adversaries like China. He criticizes Trump's recent comments blaming Taiwan for the current tensions with China and questioning US support for the island nation. Jonathan believes that Trump's approach to foreign policy lacks nuance and could have dangerous consequences for international stability. He concludes by issuing a direct challenge to viewers who support Trump, asking them to provide concrete evidence that a second Trump administration would be beneficial to Ukraine. He cites Trump's past statements expressing admiration for Putin and suggesting territorial concessions to Russia as evidence of his potential to harm Ukraine's interests.

Return to top⤴️

Wrap up

🎦 44:10-44:10⏩

Jonathan ends the video by expressing his concerns about the current political landscape in the US and its potential impact on Ukraine. He invites viewers to share their thoughts and opinions, particularly those who hold differing viewpoints.

Return to top⤴️