Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitics News
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"If you're a party that's all about freedom and you're not fighting for another country who is fighting for their own freedom, then you're not really about freedom."
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Germany becomes largest donor to Ukraine
Recent data shows Germany has taken over as the largest donor to Ukraine during the war, surpassing the US. This is surprising given the US's significant contributions. The data only goes through July 31 so more recent months are not included, during which the US gave the least due to issues with Congress while Germany gave more than ever. Germany was criticized early in the war for providing little aid. Jonathan notes this is not a competition and the US support has been crucial for Ukraine. Germany's contributions also need to factor in their funding of EU aid. Germany has been supporting Ukraine through an equipment exchange program called Ringtausch, providing Western equipment to countries like Greece, Czechia, Slovakia and Slovenia in exchange for them sending Soviet-era equipment to Ukraine. Jonathan sees Germany's increased support as them realizing the existential threat Russia poses to Europe and stepping up as a leader in the EU response. He hopes career military/civil servant infrastructure in European countries will prevent politicians from going too pro-Russia.
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Other military aid updates
- Lithuania provided two NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine in November which are already on combat duty
- Denmark increased funding for Ukraine support by €308 million in 2023 and €3.15 billion between 2025-2027, showing long-term commitment
- Canada is transferring 11,000 assault rifles and 9 million rounds of ammunition
- Latvia will focus on reconstruction of Chernihiv region
- Azerbaijan donated a demining machine valued at $7.6 million
Concerns about Russian capabilities
Jonathan expresses worry that while Ukraine has made progress, Russia is still a major threat. A video of Shoigu touring a Russian drone factory showed helicopter drones that look advanced, similar to the US MQ-8 Fire Scout. If Russia can mass produce drones with those capabilities, it would pose challenges for Ukraine. There are also reports Iran is providing Russia with glide bombs that can avoid radar detection at low altitudes, and may transfer short-range ballistic missiles. So as Ukraine improves air defenses, Russia may be increasing its ability to conduct saturation attacks. Jonathan argues the West needs to provide Ukraine with everything it needs now to prevail.
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Visits to Ukraine
The Latvian and Lithuanian presidents/prime ministers arrived in Ukraine for official visits, demonstrating the strong support from the Baltic states. Lithuania and Ukraine signed an agreement to simplify the implementation of assistance projects.
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Concerns about far-right victory in Netherlands
The Dutch defense minister expressed worry about support for Ukraine after the far-right party of Geert Wilders performed well in recent elections. Jonathan initially characterized Wilders as pro-Russia, but Dutch viewers pointed out it's more nuanced - he's not necessarily pro-Russia but opposes escalation and providing weapons. Jonathan still sees this position as a form of appeasement that ends up helping Russia. He hopes established political infrastructure will constrain any pro-Russia moves if Wilders comes to power.
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Russian ties to Polish border blockade
There are growing indications that Russia is behind the Polish trucker strike blocking the Ukraine border. The organizers have ties to Russia, supported the Crimea occupation, and some voted against condemning Russian war crimes. The blockade is disrupting trade and led to LPG shortages in Ukraine. The border with Slovakia has been unblocked.
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Greek shipping companies stop transporting Russian oil
Three Greek shipping companies (Minerva Marine, Thenamaris, and TMS Tankers) stopped transporting Russian oil and have been removed from Ukraine's list of international war sponsors. This follows a report Jonathan covered the previous day about their activities. There appear to be many dark connections in the realm of Russian oil/gas exports.
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Controversy over Canada-Ukraine free trade deal
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accused the Conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre of "turning his back on Ukraine under the influence of Donald Trump" after the Conservatives voted against a bill to implement a free trade deal with Ukraine. Poilievre said he opposed it because it would force Ukraine to adopt a carbon tax. Jonathan suspects this is more about the Conservatives opposing environmental regulations in general, noting such provisions are standard in trade deals to ensure a level playing field. He sees Poilievre's claim that a carbon tax would hurt Ukraine as it rebuilds as disingenuous.
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Armenia accuses Russia of failing to deliver weapons
The Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan accused Russia of not providing weapons Armenia already paid for. It's unclear if this is because Russia is intentionally withholding them due to Armenia's geopolitical direction, or because Russia needs the weapons itself for the war in Ukraine and can't spare them for export. Jonathan suspects it's the latter.
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Russian influence on the European far-right
Jonathan plugs an in-depth article he wrote examining Russian influence on far-right movements across Europe. He stresses he's not dismissing the underlying issues motivating support for the far-right, but there's a clear pattern of Russia encouraging the most extreme elements to sow division. He lists examples in many European countries and argues even those sympathetic to far-right positions should be wary of Russia hijacking these movements for its own benefit rather than the interests of the countries involved.
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Wrap up
Jonathan asks viewers to like, subscribe and share his videos, acknowledging his content isn't for everyone. He notes his channel growth has stagnated, which he attributes to YouTube algorithms not favoring him. He appreciates any shares to help boost the channel's reach.
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