Ukraine War Upd. EXTRA: Morality of supporting RVC, Fake Photos, & Wagner Theft
Table of Contents 📖
| Topic ID | Topic Title | Timestamp |
|---|
"If Ukraine succeed in overcoming these defenses, they are doing that without the kind of normal NATO doctrine... if they manage to have a really successful counter-offensive in spite of not having air superiority, let alone air advantage, then that would be an incredible feat."
Hello Team!
Jonathan introduces the video as an extra update providing additional insights and understanding of the war in Ukraine.
Return to top⤴️
Morality of supporting the Russian Volunteer Corps
- The Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) and Freedom of Russia Legion attacked Belgorod. Some members of RVC are reportedly neo-Nazis or far-right extremists.
- Jonathan explores the moral dilemma of supporting groups doing good things for Ukraine's cause, even if they hold objectionable ideologies.
- He argues it's still beneficial to support their actions against Russia for now, likening it to supporting someone saving a granny from an attacker, even if that person is known to be immoral in other ways. The immediate good outweighs other factors.
- However, he acknowledges the cognitive dissonance and potential future issues if such groups gain more power and influence after the war.
Fake photos and propaganda
- A Russian tank captured in March 2022 was likely used to stage a photo of a Russian soldier surrendering. The image seems to have been modified and posted as propaganda to encourage surrenders.
- Jonathan argues this propaganda is aimed at Russian soldiers rather than outside audiences, so he sees it as more excusable.
- In another case, Russians badly photoshopped a black soldier's head onto a white soldier's body for propaganda. Jonathan notes the differing intentions behind the two examples of propaganda use.
Ukrainian soldier with prosthetic leg returns to defend Ukraine
Genia Stafovich, a Ukrainian soldier who lost part of his right leg in 2014, has returned to defend Ukraine with a prosthetic leg. Jonathan praises his determination and notes if he is able to fulfill his duties, it's fantastic he can continue serving.
Return to top⤴️
Power struggle between Russian MoD and Wagner group
- Russian Defence Minister Shoigu is trying to control the Wagner group to prevent its boss Prigozhin from gaining power and influence amid potential future turmoil in Russia.
- A leak accuses Wagner of massive theft of military fuel from the Russian MoD. This looks like an attempt to set the stage for prosecuting Prigozhin.
- Jonathan believes this internal conflict will only serve to benefit Ukraine's goals and objectives.
Analysing the Simonyan and Maxim discussion on Russian TV
Commenting on a previous video, a viewer suggests the televised discussion between Simonyan and Maxim, where differing views on the war were shared, may serve as a "pressure vent" for discontent among Russians. Seeing their views represented can make people feel heard and reduce the impetus to riot or protest. Jonathan finds this an interesting perspective to consider.
Return to top⤴️
Challenges facing Ukraine's offensive push
- As Ukraine advances, they face challenges from Russian defences including minefields, trenches, anti-tank ditches, and drones providing targeting for artillery.
- However, the Russians likely lack adequate manpower to fully utilize all their prepared defences. Ukraine doesn't need to overcome every obstacle, just punch through in a few places.
- If Ukraine successfully breaches Russian defences and maintains momentum without air superiority, it would be a remarkable achievement in modern military history.
- The West needs to focus on a long-term strategy to support Ukraine, not just the immediate counter-offensive. This includes bolstering military aid and production.
Video of Ukrainians carrying injured Russian POW
A video shows Ukrainian troops carrying an injured Russian POW, presumably to get medical aid. Jonathan believes this demonstrates Ukrainians acting as decent human beings when circumstances allow, further showing they are "the good guys" in this conflict.
Return to top⤴️
Wrap up
Jonathan invites viewers to share their thoughts on the various topics covered in this "smorgasbord" of an extra update video. He signs off until tomorrow.
Return to top⤴️
