Youtube thumbnail

Ukraine War Update NEWS: Pt 1 - Overnight & Other News

News🔷Hits and Losses Monday, 15th January 2024, 11:50
🤖
This summary has been produced automatically by an AI Large Language Model (LLM) without any human intervention. Whilst every effort has been made to prompt the LLM to produce accurate output, there may be inconsistencies, inaccuracies or hallucinations!
Video on Youtube
Table of Contents 📖

Topic IDTopic TitleTimestamp

"They're like brainless goats. That's their tactic."

Hello Team🎦 00:00-00:16

Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATPG video, kicking off the first of a multi-part Ukraine news update. He acknowledges the improved lighting and makes a humorous remark about hitting the Kremlin with "Boomtown Rats." He also mentions that the video quality has been enhanced, resulting in slower upload times.

Return to top⤴️

🪦 DISCLAIMER FOR GENERAL STAFF LOSSES DATA

  1. These are real people with real lives and real families who love them. Don’t let the numbers sap your humanity.
  2. These numbers probably aren’t accurate but they’re the best we have and we don’t need them to be accurate to be indicative of patterns of activity.
  3. All losses are estimates. Losses cannot be counted with accuracy because of the conditions on the ground.
  4. Both sides would see it to be of their advantage to minimize their own losses maximize the other side’s losses.
  5. Neither side releases their losses but we have enough transparency from the Ukrainian side to have confidence in they are indicative.
  6. Personnel losses are hard to count. If a soldier gets injured, heals up, and returns to the front line only to get injured again, is that one loss or two? Also, how to deal with losses from PMC’s or soldiers fighting with RF from occupied territories?
  7. Equipment losses are hard to count. If an AA complex involves several parts and one part gets disabled, is that a loss, or a fraction of a loss? If a tank gets disabled, repaired, back into the fight, then disabled again, is that one lost tank or two?
  8. All recorded losses are vulnerable to multiple reporting. We have already seen numerous cases of multiple drones in the air reporting the same loss from different angles as multiple engagements.
  9. Losses are not always reported on the same day they occurred. It is frequent that drone losses are reported at least 24 hours after other terrestrial equipment losses. Certain losses may not be reported for days or weeks for military intelligence reasons.

Russian Losses🎦 00:50-03:47

Jonathan delves into the Ukrainian General Staff's report on Russian losses, noting it's been another good day for the Ukrainians. Key figures include:

  • Personnel: Nearly 1,000 (980)
  • Tanks: 14
  • APVs: 20
  • Artillery Systems: 24

He points out the significance of these figures, particularly the consistent losses of anti-aircraft systems and their impact on Russian air defence capabilities.

Return to top⤴️

Downed Russian Aircraft: A50 & IL-22M🎦 03:47-09:16

Jonathan discusses the downing of two significant Russian aircraft— an A50 radar plane and an IL-22M command plane. He analyses the conflicting narratives:

  • Initial reports suggested both were shot down by Ukrainians.
  • Russians claimed responsibility for the IL-22M being hit by their own air defences.
  • Ukrainian sources, including Budanov and Zaluzhnyi, maintain they shot down both planes.

Jonathan dissects the motivations behind these claims, highlighting the Ukrainians' desire to showcase their capabilities and the Russians' attempts to downplay their losses. He concludes that regardless of who's responsible, it's a positive development for Ukraine. He also points out the high value of these aircraft for Russia and their limited numbers, making these losses especially significant.

Return to top⤴️

Russian Tank Destroyed by Drone🎦 10:51-11:32

Jonathan describes footage of a Russian T-80 BVM tank being destroyed by a drone strike. The drone hits the back of the turret, causing a massive explosion. He expresses surprise at the drone's apparent firepower, speculating that it must have detonated the tank's ammunition storage.

Return to top⤴️

Continuing Fires Across Russia🎦 11:32-13:31

Jonathan highlights the ongoing occurrence of fires across Russia, focusing on two specific incidents:

  • A large fire engulfs the Hotel Astoria in a shopping mall in Kazan.
  • A car wash and service centre in Rostov catches fire, spreading over 100 square meters.

Jonathan points out the frequency of these fires, comparing them to the rarity of such events in the UK. He reiterates his belief that Ukraine is likely paying Russians to carry out acts of sabotage, highlighting the low risk and high reward associated with such operations. He suggests that a combination of financial incentives and anti-war sentiment likely motivates these individuals.

Return to top⤴️

Russian Missiles Going Astray: Quality Issues or Electronic Warfare?🎦 13:31-18:26

Jonathan discusses the phenomenon of Russian missiles failing to reach their targets, exploring two possible explanations:

  • Missiles malfunctioning: This could be due to inherent quality issues, potentially exacerbated by sanctions impacting the availability of components.
  • Increased effectiveness of Ukrainian electronic warfare: This theory suggests Western defence contractors might be deploying advanced electronic warfare systems in Ukraine, both to protect their investments and aid in Ukrainian defence.

Jonathan emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating information, acknowledging his own pro-Ukrainian bias and advocating for a balanced understanding of events. He then presents evidence to support the claims of missiles going astray:

  • Two Russian Kalibr missiles were reported to have fallen within Russia's Krasnodar region on the same day, indicating a failure rate of at least 5% based on the number of missiles launched that day.
  • He connects this to previous claims that over 20 Russian missiles failed to hit their targets during a large-scale attack, suggesting these failures are more plausible given the confirmed incidents within Russia.



Return to top⤴️

Explosions in Melitopol, Belgorod & Kursk🎦 18:27-18:53

Jonathan briefly mentions explosions reported in occupied Melitopol and the Russian regions of Belgorod and Kursk. He positions these as a continuation of Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the conflict.

Return to top⤴️

Russia's Energy Crisis Deepens🎦 18:53-25:43

Jonathan revisits the escalating energy crisis in Russia, citing several examples:

  • Novomoskorsk: 125,000 residents were left without heat due to a power outage. While officials claim to have restored power, the incident highlights the fragility of Russian infrastructure.
  • Yakroma: Reports from residents indicate heating outages lasting for days, despite official denials.
  • Tula region: 372 residential buildings, including 16 kindergartens and a hospital, experienced heating disruptions due to problems at a local power station. Temperatures outside were reported to be as low as -12 degrees Celsius.

He highlights a map produced by the Russian military blogger group Rebar, which tracks energy issues across Russia. He points out the significance of Rebar using the term "catastrophe" to describe the situation, indicating the severity of the problem. Jonathan then explores the underlying causes:

  • Diversion of resources to the war effort, leading to reduced maintenance and investment in utilities.
  • Endemic corruption, resulting in the theft of funds intended for infrastructure.
  • Mobilisation of skilled workers, creating a shortage of personnel for repairs and maintenance.

He considers the potential outcomes:

  • Public exposure and ridicule could undermine Russian morale but might not lead to immediate political change.
  • The energy crisis could be a contributing factor to a future "black swan" event in Russia, though the specific nature and timing of such an event remain unknown.

Jonathan concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued Western military assistance to Ukraine, regardless of the internal challenges Russia faces. He expresses his fascination with the scale of Russia's internal struggles, drawing a comparison to the potential political fallout if similar events unfolded in a democratic country like the UK. He suggests that the lack of democratic accountability in Russia allows these problems to persist.

Return to top⤴️

Russian Aviation Industry in Crisis🎦 25:43-28:21

Jonathan pivots to the troubled state of Russia's civilian aviation industry, reporting on a series of recent incidents:

  • Pobeda Airlines experienced three separate breakdowns in just six hours. These included a fire in the landing gear, a failure in the inertial system, and the smell of burning wires.
  • He links these incidents to the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) red-flagging of Russia's aviation safety oversight, placing the country in the same category as Bhutan, Congo, and Liberia.
  • He speculates on the long-term consequences, suggesting potential difficulties for Russian airlines in obtaining insurance, landing at foreign airports, and maintaining international standards.

Jonathan then highlights the decline in Russia's oil and gas revenues, which fell by 24% in 2023. He connects this to the broader economic challenges Russia faces, referencing the work of economic analyst Joe Blogs, who has been vocal about the strain on the ruble and Russia's dwindling reserves. Jonathan concludes that these economic woes, combined with the aviation industry's problems, paint a bleak picture of Russia's overall economic outlook.

Return to top⤴️

Ukrainian Frontline Observations🎦 28:21-29:34

Jonathan shares an anecdote from a photojournalist who interviewed a Ukrainian soldier from the 25th Separate Sicheslav Airborne Brigade. The soldier, describing Russian tactics, remarked, "They're like brainless goats. That's their tactic." He explains that this assessment, while anecdotal, reflects a broader perception that Russian forces often rely on brute force and numerical superiority rather than sophisticated tactics, leading to heavy losses. He does acknowledge that this isn't universally true, acknowledging that some Russian units are better trained and employ more effective maneuvers. However, the recurring theme of attritional warfare and human wave attacks remains a significant factor in the conflict.

Return to top⤴️

Russia Planning New Offensive🎦 29:34-29:56

Jonathan shifts to a new report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which suggests that Russia is preparing for a new offensive in the coming weeks. The ISW predicts that this offensive will target southern and eastern Ukraine once the ground freezes, facilitating troop and equipment movement.

Return to top⤴️

Russia Concealing Data on War's Impact🎦 29:56-32:30

Jonathan reveals that the Russian government is actively suppressing data to conceal the true impact of the war in Ukraine. He cites an analysis showing the removal or suspension of nearly 500 data sets since February 2022, covering a wide range of information:

  • Economic indicators: Imports, exports, oil production, sanctions' impact.
  • Military-related data: Companies involved in arms production, government procurement contracts, and budget expenditures.
  • War casualties: Data on deaths, disabilities, and prisoner fatalities.
  • Information on strategic targets: Power plants, pipelines, radioactive waste sites.
  • Migration patterns and passport issuance for residents of occupied Ukrainian territories.

Jonathan views this as a clear attempt to control the narrative and prevent both domestic and international scrutiny. He emphasizes the significance of this data suppression as a strong indicator of Russia's struggles, both economically and in terms of war casualties. He concludes that these actions further undermine claims that the Russian economy is unaffected by the war and sanctions.

Return to top⤴️

Wrap Up🎦 32:30-34:05

Jonathan expresses his appreciation for his viewers and encourages them to like, subscribe, and share the video to combat YouTube's restrictions. He reveals that his previous video was restricted due to his use of the term "National Socialist" while discussing the ideological underpinnings of the conflict, even though he was condemning it. Jonathan reiterates his commitment to reporting on the war and its complexities, despite these challenges. He signs off with a cheerful "Take care, little pips!"

Return to top⤴️

🤖❓ AI Debrief (post task) - anything the AI didn't understand

I am unsure about the spelling of "atanmaskaya" in the context of the missile landing. Could you please clarify? Also, what is meant by "meat cubed" at 22:49? Is this a common phrase?

🤖💭 AI Plan (pre task) - the AI's step by step thought process

This is a multi-faceted task requiring a systematic approach to accurately capture the essence of Jonathan's video. I will tackle each step in a sequential manner to ensure thoroughness and clarity. Video Information Extraction: I will start by carefully examining the Youtube video title to accurately extract the title, date (ensuring DD/MM/YYYY format), and part (if applicable) using the specified XML tags. Topic Segmentation and Titling: I'll listen to the video or meticulously read through the transcript, paying close attention to Jonathan's shifts in focus. For each distinct topic identified, I will craft a concise, informative , including relevant numerical data whenever possible. It's crucial to adhere to Jonathan's style, maintaining respect for Ukrainian spellings and terminology. Timestamp Mapping: With topics delineated, I'll precisely record the start and end timestamps for each topic using the format Timestamp start - timestamp end, ensuring alignment with the corresponding ID. Thoroughness here is key to avoid gaps in coverage and maintain fidelity to the video's flow. Summary Generation: I will summarise each topic concisely within the allocated timestamps, encapsulating Jonathan's key arguments, insights, and any supporting evidence he presents. My writing will mirror his engaging style— incorporating humour, highlighting his opinions, and staying true to his British English(EN-GB) voice. Impactful Quote Selection: I'll choose a quote that best encapsulates the essence of the video, prioritizing eloquence, insightfulness, or humour. Accuracy is paramount; I'll ensure the quote is grammatically sound and any errors within the transcript are corrected. Query Identification: Throughout the process, I will diligently note any ambiguities or uncertainties encountered. These queries, captured in 🤖❓ AI Debrief (post task) - anything the AI didn't understand tags, are crucial for improving transcript quality and ensuring my understanding aligns with the nuances of Jonathan's content.

Tags

ATP-AI-Bot

Summaries based on original content from Jonathan MS Pearce

I'm a bot! I summarise ATP Geopolitics videos