Ukraine War Update NEWS: Geopolitical News - Serbia, Hungary, US Leaks, UK Deal
Table of Contents 📖
"If [the US] allow Crimea to be part of Russia, then they are sanctioning any nation attacking another nation and taking control of their territory by force. That's what this does. And that's why the European Union cannot do this... This proposal is going against the received wisdom of foreign policy since the Second World War."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00.000-00:35.400
- Jonathan welcomes viewers to the second part of the Ukraine War news update for 25th April 2025, focusing on geopolitics.
- He notes that Steve Witkoff (US envoy) is currently meeting Putin in Moscow, suggesting peace negotiations are starting, potentially involving appeasement.
Addressing Viewer Pushback on Criticising Trump
🎦 00:35.900-02:52.620
- Jonathan addresses viewer comments (like one from 'Andy S') questioning if criticism of Donald Trump regarding US proposals (e.g., recognising Crimea as Russian) is just "hearsay" or "gossip".
- Some viewers express fatigue with Trump criticism, even while supporting Ukraine.
- Jonathan argues it's difficult not to criticise Trump, given his position, the US shift away from supporting Ukraine under his administration, and the influence of figures around him (Stephen Miller, Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, J.D. Vance, Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, David Sachs) whom Jonathan describes as "deeply pro-Russian and anti-Ukrainian".
- He insists his criticism is based on Trump's own words and actions, not gossip, citing a previous video where he played clips of Trump appeasing Russia.
- Jonathan suggests the inability to accept criticism of Trump resembles "cult behaviour".
- He counters the "hearsay" claim by pointing to recent reports (CNN, Washington Post) and reactions from world leaders, questioning why everyone would react if it were merely gossip.
CNN Report Details US Peace Framework from Paris Talks
🎦 02:53.000-05:36.640
- Jonathan cites a CNN article reporting US allies' alarm over Trump's plan "to let Russia keep most of the land it sees from Ukraine".
- He mentions statements against Trump's position on Crimea from Zelensky, Macron, and discussions in the UK Parliament, suggesting these wouldn't happen if the proposal wasn't real.
- The US administration's framework, presented in Paris (April 17th) and discussed in London, reportedly proposes significant sacrifices from Kyiv:
- US recognition of Crimea as Russian territory.
- Ukraine ceding large swathes of territory.
- VP J.D. Vance called to "freeze the territorial lines" near current positions.
- When asked what concessions Russia was offering, Trump reportedly replied, "stopping the war", implying not taking the whole country is Russia's concession.
- Jonathan finds this response ridiculous and argues it legitimises Russia's aggression.
Doris Analogy & Critique of Trump's Understanding
🎦 05:38.480-07:33.120
- Jonathan uses his 'Doris' analogy: Ivan mugs Doris, stealing £200. Brad (Trump) negotiates peace, asking Ivan to return only £10. When asked what concessions Ivan (Russia) made, Brad says "Well, he had to give back £10" and "he's not going around her house and stealing her whole house".
- He equates this to Russia's 'concession' being not taking all of Ukraine, which they are unable to do anyway.
- Jonathan argues real concessions would involve returning land, perhaps to 2014 lines before discussing Crimea's de facto vs de jure status.
- He criticises Trump's positioning as "completely ridiculous", stemming from deep ignorance about the conflict's history and an unwillingness to learn.
Reuters Leaks Full Transcript of US Peace Proposal
🎦 07:33.120-08:16.160
- Jonathan presents what he calls "99.9% evidence" against the "hearsay" claims: Reuters has published the full transcript of the US peace proposal presented by Steve Witkoff in Paris on April 17th.
- He states the text is published "in full with no changes" as received by European officials.
- He directly addresses the earlier question: "Is there any evidence that the US are pushing to recognise Crimea as Russian? Let's have a little look."
Leaked Proposal Pt 1: Overview, Ceasefire, Security Guarantees
🎦 08:16.520-08:58.920
- Jonathan reads from the leaked Reuters document:
- Overview: Terms represent the "final offer from the United States".
- Ceasefire: Permanent ceasefire, immediate implementation talks.
- Ukraine Security Guarantee: "Robust" guarantee from an ad hoc group of European and willing non-European states, explicitly not the US.
- NATO/EU: Ukraine will not seek NATO membership (a "massive concession"). Ukraine may pursue EU membership ("really nice of you to dictate").
Leaked Proposal Pt 2: Territory Concessions (Crimea, Luhansk, Kharkiv)
🎦 09:00.000-10:08.868
- Reading the territory section of the leaked proposal:
- Crimea: US provides de jure (legal) recognition of Russian control. Jonathan highlights this directly answers 'Andy S'.
- Luhansk: US provides de facto (in practice) recognition of Russian control of all of Luhansk Oblast (implying Ukraine must cede any parts it still holds).
- Other Oblasts: US provides de facto recognition of Russian control of currently held parts of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kherson. Lines of contact frozen elsewhere in these regions.
- Kharkiv: Ukraine regains territory in Kharkiv Oblast (Jonathan mocks this as the tiny £10 returned in his analogy).
- Jonathan finds the imbalance in concessions "ridiculous".
Leaked Proposal Pt 3: Zaporizhzhia NPP, Dnipro Access
🎦 10:08.868-10:57.568
- Continuing the territory section of the leaked proposal:
- Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP): Ukraine regains control, but the US controls it administratively, with electricity distributed to both sides (Ukraine and Russia). Jonathan finds the obligation to supply Russia power from Ukraine's own plant galling.
- Dnipro River & Kinburn Spit: Ukraine enjoys unhindered passage on the Dnipro and control of the Kinburn Spit.
- Nova Kakhovka Dam: Mentions Ukraine gets control of the dam area (Jonathan notes it was blown up).
Leaked Proposal Pt 4: Economics, Sanctions Lifted, US-Russia Cooperation
🎦 10:58.848-11:35.528
- Reading the economics section of the leaked proposal:
- US-Ukraine: Implementation of an "economic cooperation minerals agreement" (seen as for US benefit).
- Reconstruction: Ukraine to be fully reconstructed and compensated financially (details unspecified).
- Sanctions: Sanctions on Russia imposed since 2014 will be removed.
- US-Russia: Economic cooperation on energy and other industrial sectors.
- Jonathan expresses disgust ("Oh my God, this makes me so sick").
Jonathan's Reaction: 'Horrific' Pro-US/Pro-Russia Proposal
🎦 11:36.728-12:25.568
- Jonathan describes the leaked proposal text as "absolutely awful" and "horrible".
- He argues that anyone pro-Ukraine must reckon with this deal, which he views as overtly pro-US, anti-Ukraine, and pro-Russia.
- He challenges those who might deny the Reuters leak, urging an "adult conversation" about the deeply concerning implications for Ukraine.
Trump's Time Magazine Interview Pt 1: Peace, NATO
🎦 12:26.188-14:17.448
- Jonathan discusses excerpts from a recent Trump interview transcript published by Time Magazine:
- Peace with Putin: Trump believes peace is "possible, if very probable" with him as president, but "no chance" otherwise. He thinks Putin will make peace (with him), but would rather "take the whole thing". Trump claims "very good talks" are "very close to a deal".
- Peace with Zelensky: Trump believes peace is possible with Zelensky still president.
- NATO: Trump states, "I don't think they'll ever be able to join NATO." He incorrectly claims talk of joining NATO "caused the war to start" (Jonathan points out it started in 2014, pre-dating recent NATO talk).
Trump's Time Magazine Interview Pt 2: Crimea, Blaming Obama
🎦 14:17.608-15:23.268
- Continuing with the Time Magazine interview:
- Crimea: When asked if Russia should keep Crimea, Trump deflects, blaming Barack Obama for "handing it to them". He claims it wouldn't have happened under his presidency.
- He uses the presence of Russian submarines and Russian speakers as justifications.
- Jonathan criticises this as weak deflection ("Oh, Obama let them have it... Yeah, but okay, whatever. But do you want to get Crimea back...?").
- Territory: When asked if Crimea and the four other regions could be folded into Russia in a deal, Trump focuses only on Crimea, stating it "will stay with Russia" and "Zelensky understands that". He again blames Obama and calls it "Obama's war".
Trump's Time Magazine Interview Pt 3: Relations with Moscow
🎦 15:23.268-16:20.708
- Concluding the Time Magazine interview points:
- Improving Moscow Relations: When asked about pursuing negotiations beyond Ukraine (e.g., nuclear weapons), Trump says "No."
- Post-Deal Business: Trump adds, "...if a deal has happened, I can see us doing business with Ukraine and with Russia as a country."
- Jonathan's Summary: He reiterates that he discusses Trump because his statements are important and deeply disturbing, making it hard to differentiate him from Putin at this point.
Bloomberg: US Demand for Ukraine's Military Autonomy
🎦 16:20.708-16:58.248
- Bloomberg reports the US is planning to demand Russia recognise Ukraine's right to military autonomy in peace negotiations.
- US envoy Steve Witkoff will reportedly press Putin to abandon demands for Ukraine's demilitarisation.
- Jonathan sees this as important, as denying Ukraine an army would invite a future Russian attack ("second bite of the apple").
- He speculates Putin might agree, seeing demilitarisation as unrealistic anyway.
Matt Fry (Channel 4) Commentary on Trump's Stance
🎦 16:58.748-18:06.648
- Jonathan plays a clip of Matt Fry from Channel 4 News:
- Fry notes Trump's promise to end the war shifted from "day one" to "day 100" or walking away.
- He highlights Trump's impatience, frustration, and his recent online order for "Vladimir" (Putin) to "stop" - which Putin ignored, launching deadly drone attacks on Kyiv.
- Fry points out Trump complained about Zelensky not accepting the loss of invaded territory and calls Zelensky a "loser".
- Fry questions if Trump is imposing an "unjust peace" and if anyone is listening.
JD Vance & Trump's Reaction to Kyiv Attack ('Vladimir, stop')
🎦 18:07.908-19:16.988
- Jonathan notes the contrast: Trump calls Zelensky a "loser" but says nothing bad about Putin. He challenges Trump supporters ('Andy S') to acknowledge this.
- Following deadly Russian attacks on Sumy and Kyiv, VP J.D. Vance reposted a denunciation of Zelensky, not Putin or the attacks.
- Trump posted on Truth Social: "I'm not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary and very bad timing. Vladimir, stop."
- He also mentioned 5,000 soldiers dying per week and urged a peace deal. Jonathan notes the ensuing memes mocking the weakness of "Vladimir, stop".
Critique of Trump's 'Vladimir, stop' Post
🎦 19:17.708-19:58.156
- Jonathan shares critiques of Trump's post:
- Tim White suggests Trump felt forced to post after outrage (including from Republicans) but didn't mention civilian deaths and used the familiar "Vladimir".
- Jessica Berlin questions the phrasing "not necessary and very bad timing", asking when murdering civilians is necessary or well-timed. She notes the lack of condemnation ("sick", "horrific", "murderous attack").
- Jonathan finds the focus on timing rather than the act itself "horrific".
Mike Pence's Contrasting Call for Strong US Support
🎦 19:58.856-20:34.656
- In contrast, former VP Mike Pence condemned the "brutal assault on Kyiv", stating Putin has "no interest in peace".
- Pence called for "renewed American strength" and giving Ukraine the military support needed "to win a victory for freedom".
- Jonathan again questions why Trump supporters ("people like Andy S") cannot see that Trump seems to have no interest in helping Ukraine, arguing massive US military aid should be flowing.
Michael McFaul & Astraia Intel Critique Trump's Weakness
🎦 20:35.856-22:33.816
- Former US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, called Trump's "Vladimir, stop" post "not a strategy" and "so weak".
- McFaul urged Trump to use real pressure: increase sanctions, provide more weapons, seize Russian central bank assets.
- Astraia Intel noted Trump's post criticising Zelensky was four times longer than his post addressing Putin after the Kyiv bombing.
- Jonathan uses this disparity to highlight where Trump directs his efforts and sympathies.
- He reiterates he is dealing honestly with Trump's own words and intentions, not mischaracterising them.
European Rejection of Crimea Recognition & Undermining International Law
🎦 22:34.116-23:54.316
- The Financial Times reports European capitals have already told the Trump administration it will be impossible for them to recognise Crimea as Russian.
- Jonathan calls the US approach "freaking naive" and problematic for US foreign policy itself.
- Key Argument: Allowing Crimea to be Russian sanctions the principle of taking territory by force, undermining international law since WWII.
- The EU cannot accept this, as it would set a precedent for aggression defining borders within Europe.
- The US itself made the Crimea Declaration (under Trump 1.0 via Mike Pompeo) opposing recognition.
Ukraine MFA Spokesperson Outlines Red Lines
🎦 23:54.316-25:04.156
- Jonathan notes the US thinking this proposal would be acceptable to Europe and Ukraine is "insanity".
- Any US move to recognise Crimea or ease sanctions could "kill EU unity".
- Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson ('Tiki') announced three principal positions:
- 1
- 2
- 3
Macron & Zelensky on US Pressure & Lack of Action on Russia
🎦 25:04.535-25:57.295
- Macron stated Zelensky cannot be expected to agree to ceasefire terms while Kyiv is bombed.
- He affirmed the EU will not support US attempts to recognise Russian annexation of Crimea or pressure Ukraine into accepting it.
- Recalling Zelensky's curtailed trip to South Africa (to meet Cyril Ramaphosa), Jonathan notes Zelensky reported the US had threatened "strong consequences", including sanctions, if either side rejected a ceasefire.
- However, Zelensky stated, "I see no serious pressure on Russia now... Zero pressure on the aggressor. All the pressure on Ukraine to accept harmful terms and surrender."
European Chairs Rebuke Appeasement Policy
🎦 25:57.295-26:33.216
- Jonathan again finds the US proposals "horrific".
- A statement signed by European foreign affairs chairs from eight countries rebuked Trump's stance, calling for an end to the "policy of appeasement".
- They stated negotiating with the "war criminal" Putin is "evidently futile".
- Jonathan highlights the "real difference of opinion and policy" between the EU/allies and the US, suggesting the US has gone "off-piste" and seemingly "joined Russia".
Macron Urges Focus on Putin's Actions, Not Just Proposals
🎦 26:33.336-27:19.456
- Macron called for Putin to "stop lying", noting Putin claims to want peace while continuing to bomb Ukraine.
- He outlined the situation: Americans made a proposal, Europeans supported it, Zelensky agreed. If Putin says yes, weapons fall silent (ceasefire).
- Macron argued the international community's outrage should be directed solely at Putin, who must answer the question asked of him.
- He stressed that progress cannot be made while pretending the recent events (US initiative, Ukrainian acceptance, European support) haven't happened.
UK Government Reaffirms Stance on Sovereignty & Negotiations
🎦 27:19.456-28:07.515
- Jonathan reports the Labour government's statement in the UK Parliament regarding Crimea:
- The UK's position on Ukrainian sovereignty is unchanged.
- The UK does not recognise Russian sovereignty over any illegally seized territory, including Crimea.
- How the war ends must be decided by negotiations with Ukraine at the heart of them.
- Jonathan contrasts this principled stance with Steve Witkoff "fanning off to bloody Moscow to have tea and biscuits with Putin". He expresses pride in the UK's position.
Boris Johnson Criticises Trump's Peace Proposal (Guardian)
🎦 28:07.636-28:43.396
- Jonathan notes that even Boris Johnson, a Trump supporter whom Jonathan dislikes politically, is starting to speak out.
- A Guardian article headline reads: "Ukraine gets nothing in Trump's proposals for peace, says Boris Johnson".
- Philip O'Brien (via Robin Smith) commented that the "penny is finally dropping" for Johnson that Trump is Ukraine's enemy.
- Jonathan sees Johnson as a "good barometer" for the conflict between supporting Trump and supporting Ukraine, suggesting one must eventually be ditched. He links this dilemma back to viewers like 'Andy S'.
Boris Johnson's Detailed Breakdown of Unfair Proposal
🎦 28:43.396-30:04.623
- Jonathan quotes Boris Johnson's critique (seemingly from an article or statement):
- Johnson highlights Putin butchering civilians in Kyiv.
- He asks what Putin's "reward" is under the latest peace proposals:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- He then asks what Ukraine gets after heroic resistance and appalling sacrifices: "Apart from the right to share their natural resources with the United States, they get nothing."
Boris Johnson Calls for Real Security Guarantees
🎦 30:04.623-30:45.963
- Continuing Johnson's critique:
- He asks what in the deal stops a third Russian invasion: "Nothing."
- He argues that preventing more atrocities requires a "long-term, credible, and above all, properly funded security guarantee for Ukraine", issued by the UK, US, and all Western allies.
- Jonathan notes the US proposal is clearly not this guarantee.
- He praises Johnson's "stinging rebuke", observing Johnson is implicitly criticising the US proposal heavily, even without directly attacking Trump. Jonathan agrees Johnson is "on the money".
Finland & Latvia Reject Appeasement, Call for Strength
🎦 30:46.443-31:25.883
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated Finland will "absolutely not" recognise occupied Crimea as part of Russia.
- Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braza tweeted:
- "Only peace through strength can work."
- Russia needs to be forced into peace; Ukraine's self-defence strengthened.
- Massive attacks on civilians prove the "butcher in the Kremlin" is committed to war.
- "There isn't a single indication for peace."
- Jonathan questions why others see this clearly, but Trump, Vance, and Rubio seemingly cannot.
Zelensky's Interview with Ben Shapiro (Intro & Comment)
🎦 31:26.143-32:28.403
- Jonathan mentions Zelensky's recent trip to South Africa and also a long interview with Ben Shapiro (whom Jonathan dislikes but acknowledges the interview's value).
- He quotes a comment from 'Kate from Kharkiv' recommending the interview:
- Shapiro raises Russian propaganda points, giving Zelensky opportunities to debunk them with facts.
- Shapiro is commended for bringing up historical context (collectivisation, Holodomor, WWII sacrifices) and the recent missile attack.
- The video oddly ends with unrelated news.
Zelensky to Shapiro: Russia is Aggressor, Don't Blame Ukraine
🎦 32:28.843-33:35.183
- Jonathan plays a clip from the Zelensky-Shapiro interview:
- Zelensky stresses the need for common understanding that Russia is the aggressor.
- He asks the US not to seek "balance" between aggressor and victim.
- While respecting Trump's search for an approach, Zelensky states "you shouldn't be saying that Ukraine and Russia started this war."
- He explains it's "painful" for Ukrainians to hear this, appealing to the "dignity of our country".
- Jonathan strongly agrees, calling it "unconscionable" to revise history and morality to blame Ukraine.
Concerns Over Trump Undermining US Cybersecurity (Shashank Joshi)
🎦 33:35.183-34:36.343
- Jonathan notes the challenging global security domain.
- He cites Shashank Joshi reporting on a "blistering attack" concerning Trump's undermining of US cybersecurity:
- Concerns raised about targeting nonpartisan public servants, loyalty oaths, and politicising the federal cyber ecosystem.
- This is happening when US cyber agencies are most needed, particularly against Chinese state-sponsored hacking threats.
- Jonathan calls the "gutting" of the FBI, CIA, and cyber units "nothing short of shocking".
Politico: Possible Lifting of Nord Stream 2 Sanctions Considered
🎦 34:36.343-34:57.503
- Politico, citing sources, reports the Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Nord Stream 2 as part of negotiations with Russia.
- The initiative reportedly belongs to Steve Witkoff, who allegedly ordered a study of energy sanctions.
- The White House supposedly does not yet support the idea.
- Witkoff and Secretary of State Rubio deny such talks occurred. Jonathan labels this potential move "more appeasement".
EU Roadmap to End Reliance on Russian Fossil Fuels (Von der Leyen)
🎦 34:57.503-35:18.443
- On the other hand, the EU is set to unveil a roadmap in May to end reliance on Russian fossil fuels.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the roadmap (due in two weeks) will outline concrete steps to eliminate the bloc's dependency on Russian energy supplies.
- Jonathan welcomes this as "good news" and hopes it materialises.
Finnish Poll: Loss of Faith in US Defence Support (Hannah Weiss)
🎦 35:19.063-35:29.263
- A poll in Finland indicates the population is losing faith in US defence support.
- Associate Professor Hannah Weiss is quoted saying there is "deep disappointment in relation to America".
New UK Sanctions Package (150 items, incl. tech/software)
🎦 35:29.263-36:27.823
- The British government has banned the export of gaming console controllers to Russia due to their reported use in piloting drones in Ukraine.
- A new package announced includes 150 new trade sanctions against Russia.
- The UK has also blocked other technology, including software used to find and exploit new oil and gas wells.
- Jonathan views this as "good stuff" from the UK.
Croatian President Opposes Ukraine's EU Membership
🎦 36:28.503-36:52.323
- The Croatian President has stated Croatia will "never accept Ukraine into its ranks" (presumably meaning the EU).
- He called promises about Kyiv joining the EU "dishonest", describing Ukraine as "too big and capricious".
- Jonathan notes this indicates potential pushback within the EU against Ukraine's membership, perhaps from sectors like agriculture.
Orbán's Son-in-Law Seeking UAE Citizenship (Extradition Concerns)
🎦 36:53.383-37:44.583
- Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar claims Viktor Orbán's son-in-law, Istvan Tiborz, has applied for UAE citizenship.
- Magyar pointedly asked Orbán why his son-in-law wants citizenship in a country without an extradition treaty with Hungary.
- Jonathan interprets this as a sign Tiborz anticipates facing corruption charges if the opposition (Magyar's Tisza party, leading in polls) wins power, and plans to flee to the UAE to avoid extradition. He calls it an "interesting sign" of potential future accountability for Orbán's family.
Ukraine Faces Debt Restructuring Issues & Potential Default
🎦 37:44.583-38:03.623
- Ukraine has reportedly failed to reach a deal on restructuring $2.6 billion worth of debt.
- This could lead to Kyiv defaulting on a $600 million payment due in late May.
- Jonathan hopes a solution will be found.
Cartoon Echoes Jonathan's 'Doris Analogy' on Peace Plan
🎦 38:04.383-38:33.783
- Jonathan shares a political cartoon depicting Trump proposing a "deal" to Zelensky: "Let the guy who broke in and attacked your family remain inside and be gifted the kitchen, the guest bedroom..."
- He sees this cartoon as perfectly capturing the essence of his own 'Doris' analogies regarding the unfairness of the proposed peace plan.
Pakistan Suspends Trade with India Amid Tensions
🎦 38:34.483-39:07.983
- Jonathan provides a word of warning about rising tensions between Pakistan and India.
- Pakistan has announced the suspension of all trade with India, including third-country trade transiting through Pakistan.
- He notes reports of military activity and fighting between the two nations.
- Jonathan laments that "war seems to be in vogue again", calling it terribly sad and highlighting the instability this adds to global security.
Wrap up
🎦 39:09.323-39:37.503
- Jonathan invites viewers to share their thoughts on the topics discussed, particularly the US peace proposals which he finds "absolutely horrific" for Ukraine.
- He questions where things go from here, given the demands on Ukraine and lack of demands on Russia.
- He signs off, saying "Take care. Speak soon."