Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitical News

"Did I tell you we're living in the dumbest period of history ever? I think I did."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:47⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to part two of the daily Ukraine War Update. He starts by sharing breaking news that Berdyansk has been hit by two UK-provided Storm Shadow missiles. There are reports emerging about hits there and in Crimea, including Jankoy, Kerch and Sevastopol - all of which are on alert for Ukrainian missiles.

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Ukraine - Patriot Missile Deployment to Poland

🎦 00:47-03:57⏩

Jonathan discusses Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba's statement that the deployment of Patriot air defence systems in Poland to protect western Ukraine is now "realistic". Jonathan highlights how he suggested this solution a year ago and explains that this would involve positioning Polish Patriot systems in Poland to protect Polish airspace, but with the range to target Russian missiles heading towards western Ukraine. He acknowledges that it sits in a "grey area" but believes it would be a "really sound idea". It would have the benefit of protecting NATO countries from drones or missile strikes as they would be able to shoot anything down within range. Jonathan explains that this would offer a large amount of protection to the area around Lviv, but also acknowledges the risk of escalation from Russia who would see this as NATO involvement in the war. However, he suggests that NATO needs to "push the boundaries" and that Russia is unlikely to escalate beyond their current actions (short of using nuclear or chemical weapons more overtly, or by attacking NATO countries). He believes that "the fear of nuclear escalation" is preventing more support from the West, but that this cannot be a reason for inaction.

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Ukraine - Naval Drone and Countermeasure Updates

🎦 03:57-05:37⏩

Jonathan reports that, according to the SBU, Ukraine has modernised its naval "Sea Baby" drones to carry 1 ton of explosives over 1,000km. This means that Ukraine can reach almost anywhere in the Black Sea. However, Jonathan highlights that Russia is adapting with countermeasures such as deploying their own aerial and sea drones, and by equipping ships with machine guns that have greater "de-elevation" capabilities, to counter the threat.

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Ukraine - Defence Industrial Complex Day and New Weaponry

🎦 05:37-06:45⏩

Jonathan talks about Ukraine's "Defence Industrial Complex worker" day, which celebrates the importance of the workers who are helping to supply the Ukrainian army. Zelensky was shown the Ukrainian equivalent of the Russian Lancet kamikaze drone that can hit targets at a range of over 100km. Jonathan is unsure whether this is the same as the previously reported "Ram-X" drone.

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Ukraine - NATO to Provide Five Minesweepers

🎦 06:45-09:18⏩

Jonathan discusses the news that NATO is to provide Ukraine with five minesweepers, but because of the Montreux Convention, they are unable to enter the Black Sea. Jonathan explains that under the terms of the Montreux Convention (1936), because Russia and Ukraine are at war, Turkey can prevent warships from entering the Black Sea. This means that vessels will likely have to be brought in by land or via canals. Two of the ships, Sandown-class minehunters, have already been renamed "Chernihiv" and "Cherkesy" and are now in the UK with Ukrainian crews. Two Alkmaar-class minesweepers will be handed over to Ukraine in 2025. Jonathan wonders whether Ukraine will participate in NATO training deployments in the Atlantic with the minesweepers. He then expresses thanks to Mark and Olena for the gift of a t-shirt.

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Lithuania - €400,000 Support Package for Education Security

🎦 09:18-09:28⏩

The Lithuanian government is to provide a €400,000 support package to Ukraine. The money will be used to buy metal detectors for schools in Ukraine.

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EU/US - Ursula von der Leyen urges US Congress to Approve Aid

🎦 09:28-11:19⏩

Jonathan reports that Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has urged US Congress to approve the latest aid package to Ukraine. She believes a delay would not only harm Ukraine, but also the Atlantic Alliance, and that Ukraine deserves the support of "all three countries of the world". She called on the EU for unity and urged a strong message be sent to other autocracies to prevent further military aggression in other places. Jonathan then segues into a discussion about the current impasse in US Congress, explaining that the President cannot pass legislation without the support of both the Senate and House of Representatives. He explains the different makeup of the US political system: the Democrats have a slim majority in the Senate, while the Republicans have a slim majority in the House of Representatives. He highlights how the recent reauthorisation of Pfizer required bipartisan support to prevent a government shutdown.

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US Politics - Republican Infighting over Ukraine Aid

🎦 11:19-14:43⏩

Jonathan explains how the Republican Party is divided on the issue of aid to Ukraine. He describes how Mike Johnson, the Republican leader in the House of Representatives, is in a difficult position. Although Johnson is thought to personally support Ukraine, he is under pressure from the "MAGA" wing of the party, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, who are strongly opposed to further aid. This has made it impossible for him to pass any meaningful legislation. Jonathan explains that one of the concessions made by Kevin McCarthy during the recent House Speaker vote was to make it easier to vacate the Speaker's chair. This has given more power to individual members such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, who can now effectively hold the Speaker to ransom. This means that Johnson is having to appease the "MAGA" wing of the party to avoid being replaced. He cites the recent example of Marjorie Taylor Greene threatening to vacate Johnson's seat because he worked with the Democrats to pass the Pfizer reauthorisation bill. Jonathan believes that Marjorie Taylor Greene and her supporters are putting their own political ambitions ahead of the national interest.

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US Politics - Potential breakthrough for Aid to Israel and Ukraine?

🎦 14:43-16:25⏩

Despite the challenges, there may be a breakthrough in the US Congress impasse. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader in the Senate, has said that a consensus has been reached between the White House, Senate and House of Representatives for aid to be sent to both Ukraine and Israel. This follows a call between President Biden and congressional leaders on 14th April. It is thought that the recent attacks on Israel by Iran have persuaded some Republicans to support the aid package, which would include $95 billion for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. However, time is tight: Congress is due to go on recess at the end of the week and it is feared that any delay could give the "MAGA" wing of the Republican Party the opportunity to block the bill.

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US Politics - Mike Johnson's Hypocrisy over Israel/Iran

🎦 16:25-18:31⏩

Jonathan calls out Mike Johnson's hypocrisy for calling for support for Israel in light of the recent attacks by Iran, highlighting that Johnson has not called for the same support for Ukraine. Anne Applebaum has accused Johnson of "dishonesty" and of appeasing both Russia and Iran for months by blocking the bill to send weapons to Ukraine. Jonathan agrees and accuses Johnson of hypocrisy. He argues that Johnson is putting his own political survival ahead of international security and doing the bidding of both Marjorie Taylor Greene and Donald Trump. Jonathan then turns his attention to Marjorie Taylor Greene, and how Democratic Representative Ro Khanna described her as having "inordinate power" in the House. She frequently flouts protocol and holds votes until she arrives. Jonathan believes that Greene's power is often dismissed and that she is now effectively preventing the US from providing international aid. He is particularly critical of a recent tweet by Greene in which she claimed it was "anti-semitic" to link Israeli aid with funding for "Ukrainian Nazis". She has since been called out for this claim by Community Notes, which pointed out that she voted against a standalone bill for support to Israel in February.

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US Politics - Russian Propaganda and Marjorie Taylor Greene

🎦 18:31-20:06⏩

Jonathan discusses claims from Republicans, such as Mike Turner and Michael McCaul, that Russian propaganda has influenced the Republican Party. He highlights Greene's support for Russia and how she interacts with accounts pushing Russian disinformation on Twitter. Jonathan then reads a comment from Sean Pinner, who is due to be interviewed on the channel in a couple of hours, who calls Greene's comments "fascist" and points out that Ukraine has a Jewish president, a Jewish deputy and an Islamic defence minister. Pinner states that Ukraine has a tiny far-right representation in parliament and that Greene is "regurgitating Russian propaganda" and "should be sued", arguing that this goes beyond free speech and is "incitement, hatred, and false information". Jonathan then reveals that people are calling for an investigation into Greene.

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US Politics - Jonathan's Frustrations with the GOP Stance

🎦 20:06-22:19⏩

Jonathan expresses his frustration at how Marjorie Taylor Greene and Mike Johnson are wielding their power and preventing aid from reaching Ukraine. He highlights how David Frum, a Republican speechwriter for George W Bush, has been critical of the Republican position on Ukraine. Jonathan reads a comment from a viewer who is critical of him for "bashing" America and Trump Republicans and for putting "another American on the path of 'f Ukraine'". Jonathan responds by saying that he supports many Republicans, including McCaul and Turner, and that he is not criticising America as a whole, but rather the actions of specific individuals. He clarifies that he is not anti-Republican and that he actually disagrees with Liz Cheney's politics but agrees with her stance on Ukraine. He believes that America's best interests are served by supporting Ukraine and calls on the US to approve the $60 billion aid package.

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Ukraine - US to Build Nuclear Power Units in Ukraine

🎦 22:19-22:54⏩

Jonathan reports that a project has been launched to build two new nuclear power units in Ukraine using US technology. The project, which involves Westinghouse, will be based at the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant. This is seen as a significant development, as it shows that Ukraine is no longer reliant on Russian nuclear technology.

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Russia/UK - Yulia Navalny Meets UK Foreign Secretary

🎦 22:54-23:23⏩

Yulia Navalny, wife of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has met with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. Cleverly praised Navalny for his work in exposing corruption and defending the interests of the Russian people.

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Georgia - Protests Against "Foreign Agents" Law

🎦 23:23-24:22⏩

Hundreds of people have protested in Tbilisi against a draft law on "foreign agents". The law, which is similar to one introduced in Russia, would allow the government to crack down on NGOs and media outlets that receive funding from abroad. Protesters chanted slogans against the bill and hung an EU flag from the parliament building. They believe that the law is an attempt to stifle dissent and undermine democracy in Georgia.

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Lithuania - 70% See Russia as National Security Threat

🎦 24:22-24:39⏩

A recent poll in Lithuania found that 70% of Lithuanians view Russia as a threat to their national security.

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Poland/Ukraine - Polish Farmers Block Border Crossing Points

🎦 24:39-25:55⏩

Polish farmers are continuing to block border crossings with Ukraine, resulting in long queues of trucks. The action is in protest against the import of Ukrainian grain, which they claim is driving down prices. However, Jonathan is suspicious of the motives behind the blockade, pointing out that the farmers are only blocking goods going into Ukraine, not those coming out, and are not blocking the border with Belarus, where cheap Russian and Belarusian agricultural produce is entering Poland. He believes that the action may have been orchestrated by the Kremlin in an attempt to disrupt the flow of aid to Ukraine.

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Wrap up

🎦 25:55-25:59⏩

Jonathan signs off for the day.

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