Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News

"Kim's partnership with Putin should never have been allowed to happen."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-02:32⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to part two of his Ukraine War Update. He is drinking tea! Before discussing military aid, he references several topics from his previous video. Firstly, he reports Ukrainian strikes on the Belbek airbase in Crimea appear to have been successful. He also notes that Russian General Sergey Surovikin, previously exiled in Africa, is rumoured to be returning to command an attack on Kharkiv. Lastly, he mentions a new loss list compiled by Andrew Perpetua, indicating heavier Russian losses, particularly in equipment. Jonathan plans to review this in more detail tomorrow.

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France Military Aid

🎦 02:32-05:49⏩

Jonathan observes that France, as the world's second-largest arms exporter, is well-positioned to provide significant military support to Ukraine. He discusses the potential of SAMP/T air defence systems, noting that Ukraine needs more Patriot batteries. He speculates that the upcoming Paris Olympics may limit France's willingness to donate air defence systems. He also highlights France's provision of 11 Bastion armoured vehicles (similar to the Sherpa), with a potential order for 100 more. Asta missiles for the SAMP/T air defence system will also be supplied. Jonathan points out that the SAMP/T system, while not widely reported, is likely effective, citing its potential to intercept ballistic missiles. Finally, he mentions a northern European country (not specified) is financing six Caesar guns for Ukraine. However, it's unclear if these are part of the 78 already pledged.

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French Military Aid - Kiel Institute Ranking

🎦 05:51-07:17⏩

Jonathan discusses French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu's assertion that the Kiel Institute's weapons tracker doesn't accurately reflect the effectiveness of French aid, such as Scalp and SCALP-EG missiles. He acknowledges that France's contribution may appear low in the tracker, potentially due to EU funding mechanisms, and highlights that a significant portion of EU military assistance originates from France. Jonathan challenges the notion that the effectiveness of aid justifies lower spending, arguing that Ukraine needs all the support it can get, regardless of its perceived efficacy.

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Latvian Military Aid for Czech Initiative

🎦 07:18-07:46⏩

Latvia will allocate £11 million to the Czech-led initiative to buy artillery for Ukraine. This funding will secure 3,000 rounds of 155mm shells. Jonathan observes that this highlights the high cost of artillery ammunition.

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Australian Military Aid

🎦 07:46-08:33⏩

Jonathan expresses gratitude for Australia's contribution of Sentinel 830R rigid inflatable boats to Ukraine for riverine missions.

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German Military Aid/Joint Venture Plans

🎦 08:33-10:22⏩

Jonathan reports on Rheinmetall's CEO announcing a joint venture in Ukraine for air defence, although production is expected to take at least one to two years. Germany will also deliver 40 Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to Ukraine from May to September. The joint venture will likely involve ammunition production for Gepard anti-aircraft guns and potentially Skynex air defence systems. Diel Defence and Hensoldt are named as potential partners. Jonathan attempts a humorous German accent, acknowledging the inappropriateness of levity given the serious situation.

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Czech Crowdfunding for Drones

🎦 10:22-11:09⏩

Czech crowdfunding initiative "Zbrojovka pro Visty" has raised €6.85 million, enough to provide the Ukrainian army with at least 17,000 drones. Jonathan questions whether Russia has any comparable crowdfunding efforts and highlights this as a potential asymmetry in the conflict, favouring Ukraine.

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US Military Aid - General Update

🎦 11:09-11:29⏩

The Pentagon acknowledges concerns about the battlefield situation in Ukraine, particularly the Russian offensive in Kharkiv. They are working to expedite military aid deliveries to Kyiv. Jonathan speculates that existing stockpiles in Europe could be utilized for quicker delivery.

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US Military Aid - Patriot Battery

🎦 11:29-13:28⏩

The US is considering sending an additional Patriot air defence system to Ukraine. This follows similar decisions by Germany and discussions at NATO and G7 meetings. It is unclear whether the system will come from existing US stocks or be newly ordered. A viewer suggests that the US should purchase eight Patriot batteries recently retired by Israel and immediately supply them to Ukraine using USAID funds. Jonathan agrees this is a good idea and questions whether the Israeli systems (likely Pack 1 or Pack 2) could be upgraded to the more capable Pack 3 standard. He suggests that even Pack 2 systems, with their longer range, could be valuable to Ukraine.

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German Military Aid - IAAD Funding

🎦 13:28-14:07⏩

Germany has allocated €52 million from its "Initiative for Air Anti-Air Defence" (IAAD) to an unspecified project. €350 million remains unallocated within the IAAD, prompting Jonathan to suggest that expediting the transfer of Israeli Patriot batteries to Ukraine should be a top priority.

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US Military Aid - "Bunker Buster" Bombs

🎦 14:07-15:32⏩

Jonathan reports on the expansion of a US Army ammunition plant in Oklahoma, which produces the GBU-57 "Massive Ordnance Penetrator" (MOP) - a 30,000-pound bunker-busting bomb designed for the B-2 stealth bomber. While acknowledging the MOP is unlikely to be sent to Ukraine, he questions the US's rationale for increasing production, speculating about potential future conflicts involving Taiwan.

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Swedish Military Aid

🎦 15:32-16:00⏩

Sweden currently has no plans to deploy personnel to Ukraine but remains open to considering this option if proposed by NATO allies. Jonathan praises this stance as a good example of "strategic ambiguity", similar to positions adopted by the UK, France and other Baltic nations.

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US Military Aid to Israel

🎦 16:00-19:10⏩

Jonathan clarifies reports about a potential $1 billion US arms deal with Israel. He emphasizes that this is a sale, not an aid package, and shouldn't be misconstrued as diverting resources from Ukraine. The deal would include tank ammunition, tactical vehicles, and mortar rounds. He argues that this demonstrates the US's capacity to swiftly provide military equipment when needed, potentially offering a model for other nations seeking to support Ukraine through purchases from US stockpiles, particularly Patriot batteries. He criticizes inaccurate reporting that presented the arms deal as an aid package and warns against misinterpretations.

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Russian Soldiers with Nepalese Mercenaries

🎦 19:10-19:32⏩

Jonathan discusses a video showing Russian soldiers attempting to communicate with Nepalese mercenaries fighting on the front lines in Ukraine. This confirms the presence of Nepalese fighters in the conflict.

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North Korean Military Aid

🎦 19:32-21:07⏩

Jonathan shows a video from North Korea, highlighting the country's expanding arms industry. The video depicts rows of military vehicles and artillery systems, raising questions about their quality and production capacity given sanctions. Jonathan notes reports suggesting that North Korea has supplied over 1,000 containers of military equipment to Russia, potentially in exchange for hydrocarbons, making it a significant enabler of Russia's war effort.

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Confiscation of Medvedchuk's Yacht

🎦 21:07-23:32⏩

With Croatia's assistance, Ukraine has confiscated a $220 million yacht belonging to Viktor Medvedchuk, a pro-Russian Ukrainian politician and ally of Putin. Medvedchuk, once considered a potential puppet leader for a Russian-controlled Ukraine, was captured in Crimea and later exchanged for prisoners held by Russia, including Sean Pinner. The yacht's seizure aims to generate funds for Ukraine's war effort. Jonathan expresses scepticism about the yacht's potential sale price, given the risks associated with its ownership history, and believes that directly using the funds for weapons, wages or other essential supplies would be more beneficial.

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Wrap Up

🎦 23:32-23:39⏩

Jonathan concludes the video with thanks to his viewers, encouraging likes, subscriptions and shares. He signs off and says goodbye.

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