Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"This is what you do to hit Russia where it hurts and an awful lot. And then Russia, who are themselves at a point of quite a lot of vulnerability, could really feel the wrath of the HX2 there."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:13⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to part two of the Ukraine War Update, focusing on Military Aid, for the 3rd of December 2024.
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Ukraine short of trained and equipped brigades
🎦 00:13-01:43⏩
Jonathan discusses Zelenskyy's claim that Ukraine lacks trained and equipped brigades:
- Only 2 out of 14 brigades agreed upon are ready, impacting the situation in the east.
- Jonathan questions the bottlenecks and potential for psychological operations (psyops).
- He notes the Biden administration's "11th-hour scramble" to provide billions in weaponry, despite previous knowledge of these shortages.
- The US is urging Ukraine to lower the draft age from 25 to 18, but Jonathan highlights the demographic challenges this presents, with fewer males in that age group due to birth rates and displacement.
- He argues that Ukraine needs the right weaponry, such as long-range attack systems and air superiority, to minimize frontline troop exposure, making the draft age less of an issue.
US $725 million military aid package for Ukraine
🎦 01:43-03:32⏩
Jonathan analyses the newly detailed US $725 million military aid package for Ukraine.
- He highlights the importance of this aid, especially considering potential future support uncertainties.
- The package includes counter-drone systems, HIMARS munitions, Stinger missiles, ammunition for HIMARS and artillery, drones, anti-personnel mines, Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems, tow missiles, small arms and ammunition, demolition equipment, equipment for protecting critical infrastructure, spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.
- He speculates this package could represent five months' worth of essential equipment, potentially bridging a gap in support.
US to send three types of remote mining systems to Ukraine
🎦 03:33-06:28⏩
- The US is sending Ukraine three types of remote mining systems, including anti-personnel mines: 155mm ADAM shells, portable MOPMS mine-laying systems, and Volcano systems, which could have a significant impact against Russia's human wave attacks.
- Jonathan describes the ADAM shells, highlighting their potential use in scattering mines and their relevance to the current battlefield situation.
Ukraine's pursuit of NATO membership
🎦 06:28-08:31⏩
- Following the "failed Budapest Memorandum", Ukraine seeks clear security guarantees, ideally full NATO membership.
- Alternatives include a less formalized NATO membership or stronger bilateral agreements, although their longevity is uncertain.
- NATO partners are discussing Ukraine's accession without formal procedures, with proposals from Germany and the UK.
- Germany suggests Western Ukraine joins NATO, with diplomatic efforts to reclaim lost territories later.
- The UK proposes a "confederation or union state" with a NATO member, effectively expanding the alliance.
- Decisions on Ukraine's NATO membership and other war-ending options will be discussed at the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting in Brussels.
- Ukraine might receive broad security and political support, strengthening its defense industry and economy, potentially including Allied troop deployment outside a NATO framework.
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg: "Putin is not interested in peace"
🎦 08:31-08:46⏩
- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasizes Putin's lack of interest in peace and continued territorial ambitions.
- Stoltenberg stresses that stronger military support for Ukraine now strengthens their negotiating position and hastens the end of Russian aggression.
Jonathan's concerns about growing global autocracy
🎦 08:46-13:20⏩
- Jonathan expresses deep concern about growing global autocracy:
- Far-right autocratic gains in the recent Romanian elections.
- Robert Fico's anti-Ukraine rhetoric and attendance at Russia's May Victory Day celebrations.
- Viktor Orban's influence on Donald Trump.
- Growing autocracy in the US, citing weaponized government agencies pursuing political opponents.
- He urges support for democracy globally, viewing the EU as a beacon despite its flaws.
- He criticizes the US two-party system as being less democratic and highlights China's autocratic influence in Africa.
- Jonathan emphasizes the importance of protecting democracy, particularly in Georgia, where he believes a win against autocracy is crucial.
Shifting rhetoric on negotiations in the Ukraine War
🎦 13:20-14:16⏩
- Jonathan observes a shift in rhetoric towards negotiations, with Keir Starmer's speech advocating for Ukraine's "strongest possible position" in negotiations.
- He notes this theme emerging more frequently in discussions about Ukraine, both from allies and Zelenskyy himself, who acknowledged the difficulty of reclaiming Crimea and Donbas militarily.
Germany's potential shift on Taurus missile supply
🎦 14:16-15:21⏩
- Jonathan discusses a potential shift in Germany's stance on Taurus missile supplies to Ukraine:
- Scholz suggests ongoing discussions about providing Taurus missiles, a significant departure from previous refusals.
- Concerns remain about the missiles' range and programming access.
- Jonathan is cautious about this information, seeking more formal confirmation.
- He expresses frustration with the lack of sources and links in some reports.
Germany and Ukraine co-develop new kamikaze drone
🎦 15:21-16:04⏩
- Germany and Ukraine have collaborated on a new kamikaze drone:
- The drone resembles a smaller Iranian Shahed and features an AI-driven homing system.
- This is distinct from the German-made "mini Taurus" drones.
Germany to send 4,000 HX2 Mini-Taurus drones to Ukraine
🎦 16:04-19:20⏩
- Germany's Helsing has declassified the HX2 "mini Taurus" drone, set to be delivered to Ukraine:
- The drone is resistant to electronic warfare, thanks to artificial intelligence.
- 4,000 units will be sent.
- The HX2 weighs 12 kilograms, travels at 220 kilometers per hour, and is designed to strike armored vehicles, artillery, and other military targets.
- The drone, possibly also known as "Karma", can be equipped with various warheads.
- Using AI, the HX2 can operate without a continuous data link, searching, identifying, and engaging targets autonomously, though critical decisions still involve a human operator.
- The HX2 can operate in swarms controlled by a single operator.
- Helsing claims the drones are cost-effective and mass-producible.
- Initial deliveries are expected this month, with a total of 4,000 units to be sent.
- The HX2's technology was developed and tested in Ukraine, with core aspects already deployed there.
Jonathan's analysis of the HX2 drone's impact
🎦 19:20-19:43⏩
- Jonathan believes the HX2 drone could be a "game-changer" for Ukraine, especially if it lives up to its "mini-Taurus" billing.
- He stresses the importance of deploying such game-changing technology before potential shifts in US support.
- He sees the HX2 as a negotiating tool and a way to exploit Russia's vulnerabilities, potentially inflicting significant damage.
Scholz announces €650 million aid package during Ukraine visit
🎦 19:43-20:11⏩
- During his visit, Scholz announced a €650 million aid package, but most elements were previously known.
- Jonathan believes there might be one new or previously undisclosed item.
Germany to deliver more Patriot missile launchers to Ukraine
🎦 20:11-21:22⏩
- Germany will deliver more Patriot missile launchers to Ukraine in December, a previously unannounced commitment.
- The €650 million package includes RAST systems, Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, six Sea King helicopters (potentially equipped with unguided rocket launchers), missiles, howitzers, combat and reconnaissance drones, and around 60 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers.
- Jonathan speculates that these might include FFG MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles) based on the American BAT UMG.
Jonathan's observations on military jargon in TV show "Special Ops: Lioness"
🎦 21:22-23:25⏩
- Jonathan digresses, discussing the use of military jargon in the TV show "Special Ops: Lioness."
- He notes the show's abundance of unexplained technical terms, which might alienate some viewers but contribute to a sense of realism.
Germany providing winter aid and critical infrastructure support to Ukraine
🎦 23:25-23:54⏩
- In addition to military equipment, Germany will provide urgent winter aid and help repair critical damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
- Jonathan praises Germany's consistent and substantial support for Ukraine.
Ukraine's need for tens of thousands of UGVs (Uncrewed Ground Vehicles)
🎦 23:54-25:18⏩
- Ukraine needs tens of thousands of UGVs in 2025 to transport ammunition, supplies, and wounded soldiers, reducing human exposure in dangerous areas near the front lines.
- Jonathan highlights the transformative impact of UGVs and other drones on modern trench warfare.
- He references various UGV types, noting the increasing variety and importance of such systems.
- Remotely operated vehicles, including large MRAP-type vehicles, are crucial for minimizing casualties.
Ukraine developing long-range drones and aiming for 30,000 by 2025
🎦 25:18-26:10⏩
- Ukraine possesses long-range drones with a range of 1,800 kilometers, says Fedorov.
- Jonathan underscores Ukraine's focus on developing AI-powered swarm drones, Shahid interceptors, and land drones, aiming for 30,000 long-range drones by 2025.
- He reiterates his belief in the importance of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles for striking Russia relentlessly.
- He expresses frustration over the time taken to scale up production of these vital systems.
Drone interceptors: US Hitchhiker vs. UK unnamed system
🎦 26:10-26:37⏩
- Following Ukraine's testing of the US "Hitchhiker" drone interceptor, a British firm unveils a competing system.
- Despite the UK Defence Minister's presence at the launch, there's no word on sending these to Ukraine.
- Jonathan emphasizes the growing global focus on drone technology, with countries recognizing their importance in modern warfare.
Norway to deploy F-35s and NASAMS to Poland
🎦 26:37-27:32⏩
- Norway will deploy F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems to Poland, bolstering security at Rzeszów airport, a key logistics hub for Ukraine.
- This deployment includes around 100 soldiers and aims to protect the flow of military aid to Ukraine.
- Jonathan sees this as a sign of Europe stepping up its support as the US potentially reduces its presence, potentially leading to some unemployment within the US Department of Defense (DOD).
Russia withdraws ships from Tartus port in Syria
🎦 27:32-28:27⏩
- Amidst the Syrian rebels' advance, Russia withdraws its ships from the crucial Tartus port.
- On December 2nd, several Russian vessels, including the auxiliary ship Yellenia, two frigates, another auxiliary vessel, and a submarine, reportedly left the port.
- Jonathan emphasizes the significance of this withdrawal, as Tartus is a vital stopping point for Russian cargo planes transporting supplies from Africa.
- The loss of Tartus would also mean losing a crucial warm water port in the Mediterranean.
Wrap up
🎦 28:27-28:50⏩
- Jonathan thanks viewers for their support, hoping the information was valuable and interesting.
- He encourages continued engagement through comments, subscriptions, and sharing the video.
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