Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitics News
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"Pay a bunch now, succeed, or don't pay a bunch now and pay even more later."
Hello Team!
Jonathan provides an update on the Ukraine war for October 12, 2023, focusing on military aid and geopolitics news. He notes there has been a lot of aid announced as Zelenskyy made an unannounced visit to Brussels, likely to keep Ukraine in the spotlight given events in Israel and Palestine.
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Military Aid
- NATO: $2.4 billion in contracts to increase ammunition supply
- US: $200 million for ammo, air defense, artillery, anti-tank weapons, and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for a new air defense system (likely NASAMS)
- Lithuania: 2 NASAMS launchers, ammunition, winter supplies
- UK: £115 million for demining, maintenance, general aid
- Denmark: F-16 transfer early next year
- Belgium: Likely 4 F-16s in 2025, technical support
- Finland: €95 million aid package
- Canada: $25 million for winter prep
- Norway: $18.55 million for demining
- Spain: Additional air defense (6 Hawk systems), 105mm/155mm ammo, supplies
- Germany: Missiles for air defense and tanks
- Bulgaria: English courses for F-16 pilots
NASAMS and AIM-9 Sidewinder
The AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder, usually an air-to-air missile, has a surface-to-air variant that was tested with the NASAMS air defense system in 2019. This is likely the new capability the US is providing Ukraine to complement the NASAMS from Lithuania.
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UK Aid - Terrorhawk Paladin
The UK announced it is providing the Terrorhawk Paladin anti-drone system to Ukraine. Jonathan jokes about the name reminding him of a 1980s British sci-fi show. The Terrorhawk is a mobile platform that combines a 30mm cannon, radar, and optical tracking to engage drones out to 2km. It uses AI to distinguish drones from birds and can operate autonomously.
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Norway Aid - Cortex Typhon
Norway is sending the Cortex Typhon integrated anti-drone system to Ukraine to defend against Shahed drones. Developed with a US company, it offers a comprehensive counter-drone solution with the ability to physically shoot down UAVs.
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Geopolitics
- Romania found more drone wreckage on its territory near the Ukrainian border after recent attacks. How will they respond to repeated Russian weapons landing on their soil?
- Putin told Israel and Palestine to minimize civilian casualties in their conflict, a hypocritical statement given Russia's actions in Ukraine.
- Ukraine faces a $42 billion budget deficit in 2024 according to their PM. The recent $1.15 billion US grant via the World Bank will help.
- In a UN vote, Russia failed to regain its seat on the Human Rights Council suspended after the invasion. 83 nations still voted for Russia, a worrying sign of lingering support.
- All NATO members agreed Ukraine will join the alliance eventually. Russia is weaker but Putin hasn't abandoned his ambitions.
- An Ecuadorian diplomat was found dead in Moscow under unclear circumstances.
Concerning US Statement
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby made a concerning statement that the US is "coming near the end of the rope" on Ukraine funding and it "won't be indefinite". This contradicts recent pledges from the US and allies to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes". Jonathan questions the mixed messaging.
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Wrap Up
Jonathan thanks viewers for their support and encourages them to like, subscribe and share the video.
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