Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitics News
Table of Contents 📖
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"So I think that was worth dipping into that article. And again, it goes back to the idea, for me at least, that it seemed odd that Biden as a single human would, especially given the needs of Ukraine and him being very cognizant of those needs, would say, no, we're not going to give them ATACMS."
Hello Team!
Jonathan provides an update to his previous video on hits, losses and strikes. A Russian source claims only 3 soldiers remained from a battalion of 250-1000 after an attack on Avdiivka, with the rest killed or injured including the battalion commander. Ukrainian losses were reportedly much lower. Another Russian unit sent a regiment to storm Avdiivka and only a platoon of 30 soldiers remained out of 1000. Video evidence shows costly Russian attacks in this area.
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ATACMS Missiles
- US officials secretly approved sending ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) or APAM (Anti-Personnel/Anti-Materiel) missiles to Ukraine in the September 21st aid package, under the category of cluster munitions
- The US briefed Congress members in a classified setting to prevent leaks
- The ATACMS variant sent is the M39 which carries 950 M74 bomblets over a range of 165km, rather than the M39A1 with 300 bomblets and 300km range
- The cluster munition variant is deemed more useful for hitting Russian airfields, ammunition depots, and motor pools behind front lines
- After months of debate, there was unanimous approval from top officials like Austin, Milley and Blinken to send the missiles, which Biden then relayed to Zelensky
- Pentagon leaders had initially resisted due to limited US inventory and desire to maintain stockpiles for other global contingencies
Abrams Tanks & Leopard Repairs
- All 31 previously pledged Abrams tanks have been delivered to Ukraine along with trained crews, ammunition and spare parts
- It's up to Ukraine now to determine when and where to deploy this capability
- There are theories the US may send more Abrams later if the initial batch is used effectively
- Lithuania will work with German defense industry to repair Leopard tanks damaged in combat and return them to the front lines
Women in Ukrainian Military
The number of women in the Ukrainian army has increased by 40% in two years. Female soldiers can now serve in previously off-limits roles like snipers, machine gunners and infantry fighting vehicle commanders. Contract terms for women have increased from 40 to 60, on par with men. Allowing women to serve in combat roles has helped Ukraine mobilize more troops to counter Russia, similar to Israel's strategy.
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Robotic Sappers
Aerial reconnaissance has recorded Ukrainian troops using a robotic sapper to install TM-62M anti-tank mines in the Avdiivka area. This allows dangerous mine-laying to be done remotely without risking human sappers. These robots have moved from the design phase to actual frontline use.
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Russian Military Developments
- North Korea has been accused of supplying weapons to Hamas terrorists, in addition to providing military aid to Russia
- Russian Ka-52 attack helicopters have been observed launching a new 15km range LMUR missile against buildings, bridges and vehicles. The added standoff range helps protect the helicopters from man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).
- Russian authorities intend to double Russia's population to 290 million by 2073 under Putin's order, raising questions if he expects to still be in power then
Geopolitics
- Hungarian PM Viktor Orban met with Vladimir Putin in China, the first meeting since Russia's invasion. Orban wants to develop economic cooperation with Russia and opposes sanctions.
- Putin said Ukraine considering negotiations is a "transformation in the right direction" but "not enough". Jonathan believes this softer rhetoric, along with Putin's interactions with Eurasian leaders, may indicate he's taking a more conciliatory approach as Russia's position weakens.
- Canada announced sanctions against 9 Moldovan citizens linked to Russian oligarchs and 6 TV channels spreading Russian propaganda
- Finnish investigators are looking into damage to the Finnish-Estonian gas pipeline and a communication cable in the Baltic Sea, checking Chinese and Russian ships in the area
Wrap up
Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and asks them to like, subscribe and share the video. He appreciates the support and will be back with more updates soon.
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