Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:12⏩
Jonathan welcomes everyone to the second part of his Ukraine War Update for the 27th September 2024. The focus of this video is Military Aid.
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Canada's $50bn loan to Ukraine funded by frozen Russian Assets
🎦 00:12-03:13⏩
Jonathan discusses the $50 billion loan that Canada will soon provide to Ukraine. This loan is funded by frozen Russian assets, meaning that Ukraine effectively won't need to repay it. This is similar to the EU's €50 billion loan, bringing the total to $100 billion. However, there's a caveat. Bloomberg reports that Western allies are facing financial constraints and that arms deliveries to Ukraine in 2025 are in jeopardy due to insufficient funding. Despite this significant loan, it won't be enough to cover Ukraine's needs next year. Jonathan highlights the contrast: Russia has transitioned to a full-fledged war economy, dedicating all resources to the war effort, whereas Western allies haven't taken such drastic measures. He raises the concern that this disparity in economic commitment might ultimately benefit Russia.
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USA $2.4bn USAI Military Aid Package
🎦 03:13-05:42⏩
Jonathan discusses the recently announced $2.4 billion USAI military aid package for Ukraine. He emphasises that USAI funding doesn't deplete existing US stockpiles; instead, it's used to place orders with the US defence industry. This particular package will focus on:
- Munitions
- Support for Ukrainian Air Defence systems
- Air-to-ground munitions
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), including drones and components to support Ukrainian drone production
- Counter-drone equipment
- Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) - drones designed for maritime operations
- Secure communication equipment
- Equipment and material to bolster Ukrainian munitions production
- Spare parts, maintenance, and sustainment support
- Other ancillary equipment
Jonathan notes that the inclusion of air-to-ground munitions, air defence system support, counter-drone, and drone equipment is particularly significant. He highlights the importance of electronic warfare capabilities and speculates that the US might be hesitant to share its most advanced technology in this domain. This reluctance stems from concerns about giving away a competitive advantage, especially if the technology were to fall into Russian hands.
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Zelensky's Unsuccessful Plea For Long Range Missiles
🎦 05:42-06:12⏩
Jonathan reports that despite meetings with President Biden and Vice President Harris, Zelensky's visit to Washington didn't result in approval to use long-range Western missiles for strikes deep inside Russia. His request to lift restrictions on British Storm Shadow and US ATACMS missiles was unsuccessful. This limitation confines Ukraine to targeting Russian forces solely within border regions.
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US Intelligence: Russia may escalate if Ukraine uses long range missiles
🎦 06:12-07:32⏩
Jonathan discusses reports from the New York Times, citing US intelligence officials who believe that Russia might respond aggressively towards NATO if Ukraine is granted permission to conduct deep strikes within Russian territory. Some officials reportedly believe that Putin seeks a conflict with NATO, particularly given Russia's struggles in Ukraine. Jonathan expresses scepticism regarding the accuracy of these intelligence assessments, pointing to their past failures in predicting the course of the war. He also questions the logic behind such a move by Russia, given NATO's superior military capabilities. He does acknowledge the inherent risks associated with misjudging potential escalation scenarios but finds the notion of Russia intentionally provoking a war with NATO to be implausible.
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Ramstein Meeting 12th October 2024
🎦 07:32-08:43⏩
Jonathan announces an upcoming meeting on Ukraine's defence, scheduled for October 12th in Germany. The meeting, to be led by President Biden, will adhere to the Ramstein format, a platform for coordinating international military assistance to Ukraine. The White House has stated Biden's commitment to provide Kyiv with the necessary support to achieve victory. Jonathan welcomes this seemingly positive rhetoric but questions why restrictions on long-range weapons haven't been lifted yet. He criticises the public nature of the discussions surrounding this issue, arguing that it unnecessarily raises the stakes and complicates the decision-making process. He believes that a discreet approach, without public pronouncements, would have been more effective. He cites the hypothetical scenario of Ukraine unexpectedly striking Russian airbases deep within Russia – such an action, he posits, might have simply been accepted as a fait accompli had there not been a prior public debate about lifting restrictions.
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Decision on Long Range Weapons Early Winter?
🎦 08:43-09:21⏩
Jonathan discusses British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy's statement that a decision on granting Ukraine access to Western long-range weapons might not occur until early winter. Jonathan highlights Lammy's firm stance on the matter, along with that of the British and French governments, indicating their desire for Ukraine to utilize Storm Shadow missiles. He reiterates that the primary obstacle lies with the US, not the UK or France. He expresses frustration with the potential delay, emphasizing that waiting until early winter would leave few viable targets within range.
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UN lacks funds for Ukraine winter aid
🎦 09:21-09:50⏩
Jonathan expresses concern over a report from Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the UN lacks sufficient funds to adequately assist Ukraine throughout the upcoming winter. Carolina Lindholm, UNHCR’s representative in Ukraine, is quoted as saying, "The reality is that the funding situation for organizations like ours is far too low at this time of the year. We are 47% funded." This funding shortfall is particularly worrisome when compared to the previous year when, at this same juncture, funding had reached 70%.
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Vietnam: $500,000 humanitarian aid to Ukraine
🎦 09:50-11:13⏩
Despite recently hosting visits from both Putin and US officials, Vietnam has pledged $500,000 in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Jonathan finds this gesture remarkable, particularly considering Vietnam's history and the geopolitical context. He suggests that Zelensky's recent meeting with Vietnamese representatives at the UN was likely a strategic move aimed at diminishing Russia's influence in the region. This realignment, according to Jonathan, serves the best interests of the US, particularly within the Indo-Pacific. He underscores the significance of Zelensky's relentless diplomatic efforts, noting the strategic importance of his meetings with key players like Turkey and India.
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Swedish Scanjack 3500 mine clearing vehicle spotted in Ukraine
🎦 11:13-12:17⏩
Jonathan points out the recent sighting of a Swedish Scanjack 3500 mine-clearing vehicle being operated by Ukraine's 47th Engineer Brigade. He observes that the presence of this equipment in Ukraine hasn't been widely publicised. He welcomes the fact that Ukraine is receiving military equipment without fanfare or extensive media coverage. He notes that, although not automated or remotely controlled, the Scanjack provides a significant degree of protection for its operator during mine clearance operations.
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UK AS90 Howitzers
🎦 12:17-13:11⏩
Jonathan provides an update on the UK's delivery of AS90 155mm self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. The UK is in the process of delivering an additional 16 AS90s, exceeding the new government's pledge of 12 units within their first 100 days in office. He reminds viewers that the UK has already provided over 80 AS90s to Ukraine and plans to eventually transfer its entire AS90 fleet as they're phased out of service.
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Zelensky meets Grammarly CEO in Kyiv
🎦 13:11-13:55⏩
Jonathan shares a lighthearted anecdote about Zelensky's meeting with the CEO of Grammarly in Kyiv. Grammarly, a company with Ukrainian origins, has been a significant contributor to United24, a Ukrainian fundraising platform. Zelensky, in a tweet, highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence development, hinting at future collaborations with Grammarly. Jonathan seizes this opportunity to emphasize Ukraine's pre-war status as a hub for technological innovation and expertise. He speculates that attracting inward investment in the technology sector will likely be a key aspect of Ukraine's post-war recovery and strategic positioning.
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Blinken to meet Chinese counterpart over drone sales to Russia
🎦 13:55-14:35⏩
Jonathan reports on an upcoming meeting between US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and his Chinese counterpart. The meeting, scheduled to take place during the UN General Assembly in New York, will focus on concerns surrounding potential Chinese drone assistance to Russia. Jonathan considers this issue one of the most critical aspects of the ongoing war.
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Wrap up
🎦 14:35-15:01⏩
Jonathan thanks everyone for watching, tells his viewers he's off for a well earned cup of Yorkshire Tea.
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"The same people who thought that Kyiv would fall in three days now think that Putin wants a war with NATO when he can't beat Ukraine."
