Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News

"To deplete Ukraine by stripping it of weapons and ammunition to bring it to the negotiating table with Putin is what New York Times journalist Brett Stevens has revealed in details of Trump’s plan to, quote, end the war in 24 hours".

Hello Team🎦 00:00-00:15⏩

Jonathan welcomes everyone to another video and explains this is the second part of the Ukraine War News Update for the 7th of March 2024, focusing on Military Aid and Military Equipment, and hopes this one won’t be as long as the last one.

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US Military Aid Delays🎦 00:15-01:09⏩

Jonathan discusses the Biden administration’s consideration of tapping into US Army funding to supply immediate support to Ukraine, as a more substantial aid package is currently stalled in Congress. Jonathan explains that this would be part of the Presidential Drawdown. He addresses arguments questioning why the already allocated $4.4 billion hasn't been spent, emphasizing that this sum is not solely for Ukraine and must be strategically allocated throughout the year, with considerations for other geopolitical situations like Taiwan.

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US Military Aid Stalled: Alternative Support🎦 01:09-02:06⏩

Jonathan highlights that while Congress delays the aid package, the White House, according to National Security Council member John Kirby, is actively seeking alternative avenues to assist Ukraine. Jonathan believes that the US will be engaging in various measures like exploring frozen assets, imposing sanctions, and leveraging diplomatic pressure to secure support for Ukraine from other nations. He gives the example of the US potentially offering Greece F-35s in exchange for sending their equipment to Ukraine.

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Jonathan Addresses Criticisms of His Stance🎦 02:06-05:32⏩

Jonathan takes a moment to address criticisms from some viewers, particularly those like "John Boy," who accuse him of bias towards Democrats and against Republicans. He emphasizes that he welcomes diverse viewpoints but encourages viewers to scrutinize the rhetoric of their preferred sides. He challenges viewers, particularly staunch Republican supporters, to reconcile their pro-Ukraine stance with Donald Trump's statements and actions, which suggest a willingness to cede Ukrainian territory to Putin. He questions their unwavering support for Trump and the Republican party. He highlights the hypocrisy of criticising his alleged pro-Democrat stance, while ignoring the alignment of some Republican figures with Putin's talking points. Jonathan acknowledges that there are good Republicans, like Nikki Haley, who broadly support Ukraine, and suggests that this is the stance to adopt. He concludes by saying that he’s not trying to be pro-EU but just fair.

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Russian Missile Strike Near Greek PM in Odesa🎦 05:32-05:32⏩

Jonathan shifts the focus to a recent Russian missile strike in Odesa. He reports that the missile landed within a close range of 300-500 meters from Ukrainian President Zelensky and the Greek Prime Minister during their meeting. He hopes that this incident will bolster support for Ukraine from Greece.

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Military Aid Updates: Norway and Latvia🎦 05:32-05:54⏩

Jonathan provides updates on military aid contributions from Norway and Latvia. He reports that Norway has allocated $153 million to procure ammunition for Ukraine, likely as part of the Czech fund. He also mentions that Latvia has joined the Czech initiative, highlighting the Latvian Defence Minister's statement about the importance of supporting Ukraine and defeating Russia.

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Military Aid Updates: Germany🎦 05:54-06:28⏩

Jonathan discusses Germany's latest contribution to the military aid effort. He reveals that Germany has pledged a three-digit million sum towards the Czech initiative, demonstrating their commitment to supporting Ukraine in procuring the necessary ammunition, aiming to provide it within weeks.

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Czech Defence Group’s Plans for Ukraine🎦 06:28-07:01⏩

Jonathan highlights the significant move by the Czech Defence Group (CSG). He states that this major defence company intends to invest hundreds of millions of euros to form joint ventures in Ukraine. These ventures will focus on producing artillery ammunition and other heavy equipment, marking a crucial step in bolstering Ukraine’s defence industry. Jonathan expresses optimism about the flow of artillery ammunition reaching Ukraine, acknowledging the efforts being made to support the nation's defence capabilities.

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Jonathan Disagrees with Criticism of EU🎦 07:01-10:40⏩

Jonathan expresses disagreement with recent criticisms directed at the European Union regarding their pledge to deliver 1 million artillery shells to Ukraine. While acknowledging that the EU might fall short of this goal, having supplied only half the promised amount, he argues against what he perceives as excessive criticism. Jonathan emphasizes that the EU's pledge, even if not fully met, represents a significant commitment and that their efforts to increase production should be recognized. He contrasts the EU's approach with a hypothetical scenario where they made no specific pledge, suggesting that the current criticisms arise from the EU's transparency and ambition. Jonathan argues that holding the EU accountable for setting a target is counterproductive, as it may discourage them from making ambitious pledges in the future. He asserts that the EU's actions, particularly their recent efforts to ramp up production, demonstrate their commitment to supporting Ukraine's defence needs. Jonathan concludes this topic by urging a balanced and fair assessment of the EU's contributions, acknowledging their efforts while also encouraging them to strive towards fulfilling their pledges.

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EU Commission Head's Statement on Russia🎦 10:40-11:25⏩

Jonathan turns his attention to a statement made by the European Commission Head, Ursula von der Leyen. He notes her strong stance, asserting that Putin will be held accountable for his actions and will face trial at The Hague. Jonathan expresses his support for this stance, reflecting his firm belief in holding those responsible for war crimes accountable. He also highlights the EU's evolving military industrial strategy, suggesting a shift towards a more robust and proactive military stance.

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Indian and Nepalese Nationals on the Ukrainian Front Lines🎦 11:25-12:34⏩

Jonathan discusses a report from The Guardian about Indian and Nepalese nationals ending up on the front lines of the war in Ukraine. He highlights the deceptive recruitment practices employed by Russia, where these individuals were often promised jobs in Russia, Germany or Dubai, only to find themselves coerced into joining the Russian military. Jonathan points out the advantage Russia holds in being able to bolster its forces through such means, contrasting it with Ukraine's reliance on volunteer fighters. He suggests that Ukraine might need to reconsider its approach to recruiting international volunteers, potentially revitalising the International Legion.

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UK's Proposal for Frozen Russian Assets🎦 12:34-14:46⏩

Jonathan discusses a proposal put forth by David Cameron, the former UK Prime Minister, regarding the utilisation of frozen Russian assets. Cameron suggests that the UK could provide Ukraine with loans equivalent to the value of these assets, using the frozen assets as collateral. Jonathan elaborates on this concept, explaining that the UK holds approximately $32 billion of frozen Russian assets, including 15-16 properties in London valued at £200 million. He delves into the complexities of confiscating these assets, noting the potential for retaliation from Russia.

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Legal Challenges to Russian-Owned Assets🎦 14:46-16:19⏩

Jonathan talks about a legal challenge against Russian ownership of a piece of land in London, brought about by individuals who were aggressively removed from their ownership of Yukos (an oil and gas company). Jonathan seems to be saying that this legal challenge is against the Russian government. He explains that this legal case, if successful, could set a precedent for liquidating Russian government property to compensate those who have legitimate claims against them. He acknowledges that while confiscation is an option, it carries risks of retaliation, making freezing assets a more palatable alternative. However, he points out that simply freezing assets renders them unusable, preventing both the Russians from profiting and anyone else from benefiting from them. Jonathan concludes by acknowledging the complex legal landscape surrounding these assets but suggests that David Cameron's proposal could offer a workable solution.

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Czech Republic and Slovakia at Odds🎦 16:19-17:25⏩

Jonathan shifts the focus to the relationship between Czechia and Slovakia, which seems to be strained due to differing stances on Ukraine. He reports that Czechia postponed consultations with Slovakia after Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused Czechia of endangering their relationship by supporting the war in Ukraine, while Slovakia advocates for peace. This difference in stance, Jonathan suggests, can be attributed to the Slovak Prime Minister's "Ukraine-skeptic platform," which gained traction partly due to Russian disinformation campaigns during the Slovak elections.

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France's Initiative to Support Ukraine and Moldova🎦 17:25-18:00⏩

Jonathan discusses France's invitation to Ukraine's allies, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, for a video conference to discuss strengthening support for Kyiv and aiding countries threatened by Russia, including Moldova.

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Jonathan's Opinion on Macron's Potential Leadership Role🎦 18:00-19:26⏩

Jonathan expresses his belief that French President Emmanuel Macron is emerging as a prominent figure in rallying international support for Ukraine. He argues that Macron's centrist political stance, pro-European outlook, and leadership of a major military power make him a suitable candidate for this role. Jonathan acknowledges that Macron might not be universally popular but emphasizes the importance of having a central figure to galvanise support for Ukraine. He believes that a French leader, with their geographic and political position in Europe, could be particularly effective in this regard.

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Germany Advises Citizens to Leave Russia🎦 19:26-20:17⏩

Jonathan reports that Germany has strongly advised its citizens to leave Russia due to safety concerns. The German Foreign Ministry cites a deteriorating situation, including arbitrary arrests and a risk to German citizens, particularly those with dual citizenship. Jonathan views this advisory as a significant development, suggesting a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between Germany and Russia, which he believes could benefit Ukraine by potentially strengthening Germany's pro-Ukraine stance. He posits that this situation might also weaken the influence of pro-Russian sentiment within Germany.

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Protests in Poland and Russian Influence🎦 20:17-21:07⏩

Jonathan talks about the arrest of 23 individuals labelled as provocateurs during a farmer's protest in Warsaw, suggesting Russian involvement. He highlights the presence of individuals from various political groups, including the pro-Russian political party, Confederation. He questions the motives of the protesters, who are calling for the EU to abandon its Green Deal and limit food imports from Ukraine, without addressing imports from Russia and Belarus, implying a pro-Russian agenda behind these protests.

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Criticism of Mitch McConnell's Endorsement of Trump🎦 21:07-23:05⏩

Jonathan criticizes Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, for endorsing Donald Trump's presidential bid. He expresses disappointment in McConnell for backtracking on his previous criticism of Trump regarding the January 6th Capitol attack. Jonathan questions the sincerity of McConnell's support for Ukraine given his alignment with Trump, whose stance on the war remains unclear. Jonathan believes that McConnell's endorsement lends legitimacy to Trump's campaign, potentially jeopardizing Ukraine's interests. He goes on to say that he thinks Mitch McConnell is spineless and a moral vacuum.

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Trump's Alleged Plan to End the War🎦 23:05-26:45⏩

Jonathan discusses allegations that Donald Trump intends to end US aid to Ukraine if elected president. He cites a New York Times journalist, Brett Stephens, who claims that Trump plans to force Ukraine into negotiations with Russia by depleting their resources. Jonathan finds this plan concerning, suggesting it would favour Russia and contradict the goal of supporting Ukraine's defence. He expresses frustration with those who support both Trump and Ukraine, questioning their ability to reconcile Trump's actions and rhetoric with a genuine pro-Ukraine stance.

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Moldova's Internal Conflicts🎦 26:45-27:25⏩

Jonathan shifts focus to Moldova, reporting that the head of Gagauzia, an autonomous region in Moldova, met with Putin. He highlights Gagauzia's known pro-Russian sentiments and the potential for Moldova to be destabilised from within. Jonathan expresses concern over Putin's alleged promise to support Gagauzia's separatist ambitions, raising alarm bells about Russia's interference in the region.

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Putin's Revisionist History🎦 27:25-28:17⏩

Jonathan critiques Putin's recent attempts to rewrite history, particularly his claims about Poland's role in World War II and the formation of Belgium. He labels Putin's statements as revisionist history lessons, highlighting the absurdity of blaming Poland for the war and crediting Russia with Belgium's independence. Jonathan's exasperation with Putin's blatant distortion of historical facts is evident in his tone.

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Russian and Belarusian Athletes at the Olympics🎦 28:17-28:35⏩

Jonathan expresses disapproval towards the International Tennis Federation's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian tennis players to participate in the Olympics and Paralympics under a neutral status. He criticizes the decision, highlighting the ongoing war and the hypocrisy of allowing athletes from aggressor nations to compete while their countries are engaged in a brutal conflict.

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Wrap Up🎦 28:35-29:08⏩

Jonathan wraps up the video by thanking viewers for watching, asking them to like, subscribe, and share his content. He also mentions his newly released documentary, "10 Days in Ukraine - Part 1: How Did We Get Here?" and encourages viewers to check it out, expressing gratitude for the positive feedback it has received.

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