Ukraine War Update NEWS (20230728b): Pt 2 - Overnight & Other News
Table of Contents 📖
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"Russia's mercenary leader, Prokhorin, called the military coup in Nigeria today independence from France."
Hello Team!
Jonathan notes that his previous video has been restricted/demonetised by YouTube, which is frustrating. He explains this doesn't mean age-restricted, but rather demonetised for showing or saying something the platform doesn't like, resulting in reduced visibility.
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Frontline Updates
- Russian claims of retaking Klishivka south of Bakhmut, though this hasn't been confirmed by Ukrainian sources. There has been back-and-forth fighting in this area.
- Ukrainian advances southeast of Robotna, within 2km of Verbove. Russians are reinforcing the line with reserves.
- Ukraine has liberated Staromoyorsk and is fighting in Urazhiny as Russians withdraw.
- Ukrainians have made progress southeast of Kamianske towards the Zaporizhzhia Reservoir, an area some suggest could be a potential breakthrough point.
- Mixed claims about Ukrainian pushback of Russian advances west of Svatove using American cluster munitions.
Military Aid
- RCH-155 self-propelled howitzers, originally slated for 2025 delivery, are reportedly already being used by Ukraine in Luhansk. These highly mobile guns are well-suited for shoot-and-scoot tactics.
- Abrams tanks promised by the US may arrive as early as September, potentially providing a boost to the ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive.
- Switchblade loitering munitions are reportedly causing significant damage to Russian artillery and armoured vehicles, according to a Russian battalion commander.
Tensions in Georgia
Georgian activists protested a Russian cruise ship carrying tourists, playing the Ukrainian anthem and chanting slogans. Interviews with Russian holidaymakers revealed a lack of understanding about Russia's actions in Georgia and Ukraine, with some still viewing it through a Soviet lens. The influx of Russians escaping mobilisation has led to increased tensions and even street fights in Georgia. Some Baltic states have restricted entry to Russians for this reason.
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Sweden's Quran Burning Dilemma
Sweden's government is concerned about the consequences of more Quran burning protests, which are likely being instigated by Russia to damage Sweden's relationship with Turkey and prevent their NATO accession. While freedom of speech allows such acts, the government is pleading for them not to go ahead as it may jeopardise Sweden's foreign policy goals. This illustrates the tension between having the right to do something and it being a good idea to do it.
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Russia-Africa Summit and Influence
- The Russia-Africa summit is being boycotted by many African leaders, with only 16 out of 54 countries sending heads of state.
- Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, is attending and shaking hands with delegates just weeks after his failed mutiny, a stark contrast to the disappearance of other officials who were less directly involved.
- Prigozhin called the recent military coup in Niger "independence from France". Crowds in Niger were seen waving Russian flags, a blow to French influence as Niger is a major source of uranium for France's nuclear power.
- While struggling in Ukraine, Russia seems to be gaining influence in Africa through Wagner Group activities.
Wrap up
Jonathan thanks viewers and encourages them to like, subscribe and share the video. He signs off until next time.
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